Treatments: Medications
When it comes to treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm, medication can play a crucial role. In addition to regular check-ups, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to manage the condition effectively. For instance, if you have high blood pressure, you may be advised to take a beta-blocker. This medication not only helps control your blood pressure but also slows down the rate of enlargement of the aneurysm. Similarly, if you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medication to address this issue. By keeping your cholesterol levels in check, these drugs not only reduce the risk of a ruptured aneurysm but also lower the chances of developing other cardiovascular diseases.
Treatment: Open Abdominal Surgery
When an abdominal aortic aneurysm reaches a size of five centimeters or more, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Open abdominal surgery is a procedure that involves the removal of the damaged section of the aorta, which is then replaced with a synthetic tube, also referred to as a graft. The graft is carefully sewn into place to restore proper blood flow. Recovery from this type of surgery typically takes at least one month.