Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An abdominal aortic (ay-OHR-tik) aneurysm (AN-u-rizm) is also called a "triple A" or an "AAA". An aneurysm occurs when an artery wall becomes weak and stretches out like a balloon. The aorta is a large artery that starts in the heart and ends in the lower part of the abdomen (belly). An AAA is found in the part of the aorta that is in your abdomen.
  
  
• Treatment of your AAA may depend on your age, the type and size of your AAA, and your health. You may be watched by caregivers if the aneurysm is small and not painful. You may need treatments such as medicine or surgery.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Learn how to check your blood pressure: Ask your caregiver to teach you or a family member how to take your blood pressure. High blood pressure can make your aneurysm worse.

Quit smoking: Smoking may cause your AAA to grow larger and get worse. It can also increase your risk of having a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

Manage your weight: Weighing more than the amount best for you can make your heart work harder, and can cause health problems. You may need to talk to your caregiver about a weight loss plan.

Wellness hints:

• Eat healthy foods from all of the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drink 6 to 8 (eight ounce) cups of liquid each day. Follow your caregiver's advice if you must limit the amount of liquid you drink. Good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, and soda.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and may improve your health.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions or concerns about your AAA, medicine, or care.
  
  
• Your blood pressure is higher or lower than what your caregiver has told you it should be.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have blood in your bowel movements.
  
  
• You have the following signs and symptoms:
  
  
  • Sudden, bad pain in your stomach, back, or side. The pain may travel down to your legs, hips, and groin.
    
    
  • Fast heart beats in your chest, or you can feel heart beats in your abdomen.
    
    
  • Hard abdomen. When you touch your abdomen, it feels hard and tight.
    
    
  • Nausea (feel sick to your stomach) and vomiting (throwing up).
    
    
  • Pale, clammy (sweaty) skin. You suddenly become weak or faint, or feel afraid that something is very wrong inside your body.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) to have an ambulance take you to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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