An aneurysm is the bulging of an artery with blood, resulting from a weakened arterial wall. Abdominal aneurysms normally have no symptoms, but if they develop, the main symptom is usually stomach pain. This pain is found only in the most severe cases. In general, most of these types of aneurysms are detected while procedures for other problems are being performed. These aneurysms can exist for years without being detected. The main causes for these aneurysms are smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Most of these aneurysms occur among those over 60 years of age.

Surgery

Once you have been diagnosed with an abdominal aneurysm, the only way to treat it is through surgery. In general, the procedure is simple: the part of the artery affected by the aneurysm is replaced with synthetic material in order to strengthen the wall of the artery. This surgery is simple and rarely causes problems. However, a ruptured arterial wall is often fatal, and Dr. Robert E. O'Connor estimates that about half do not make it to the emergency room.

Blood Pressure

Since high blood pressure is one of the main causes of this type of aneurysm, measures must be taken to lower blood pressure. If you are a smoker, quit. Medications might be used to control blood pressure, especially beta-blockers, which interfere with the adrenaline receptors--hence strengthening the walls of the artery and controlling pressure upon them.

Monitoring

After surgery, a computed tomography (CT) scan is recommended every six to 12 months to monitor the healing process. The graft of the synthetic material onto the arterial wall must be monitored regularly. Of course, lifestyle changes must be made immediately. Increasing consumption of vegetables in the diet, taking vitamin B supplements and exercising regularly are essential to prevent a relapse. Drinks that are hard on the stomach (such as black coffee, hard liquor or cola products) should be avoided in the short term.

Source:

MedicineNet.com: "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm;" Benjamin Wedro, MD and Dennis Lee, MD

EMedicine.com: "Aneurysm, Abdominal: Follow-up;" Robert E O'Connor, MD, MPH