Aortic Aneurysms and Blood Clotting
Blood Disorders
An aneurysm is a week area in the wall of an artery that may bulge like a balloon and can cause problems of bleeding and blood clotting. It is associated with malformation of the blood vessels. If the bulging wall stretches too much, then the vessel may burst.The aorta is the vessel that caries blood from the heart to all the parts of the body.A person may die if the aneurysm causes the main artery to burst. Treatment in a timely manner is of the utmost importance. Most aneurysms are located in the lower stomach or abdomen.(abdominal aneurysms) and some are higher up in the body and these are called thoracic,or in the higher chest's region.
A weakening condition that causes the walls of the arteries to weaken, can lead to aneurysms. A buildup of plaque in the walls of the vessels and arteries (artherosclerosis), High blood pressure, smoking, and drinking of alcohol to great extents , can cause these debilitating conditions. Injuries, wounds, and infections, can cause bulging blood vessels, and genetic factors, may lead to problem causing aneurysms.A disease called Marfan Syndrome, can also lead to the problems associated with aneurysms.(Longer bone structure and problematic connective tissues in these sufferers).
Shortness of breath, raspy voice, pain in the shoulders, and between the blades can also be symptomatic of aortic aneurysms. Pain or tenderness of the abdominal area, nausea, and stomach upset are all symptoms, as well. Physical check-ups, x-rays, ultra-sounds, and visits to a vascular doctor,are ways in needed treatments of these problems, and can help detect aneurysms. Cat scans, Ct scans, MRI's(Magnetic Resonance Imaging), are useful in finding problems associated with these vascular problems.The size of these aneurysms and their location is crucial in decision making as to their treatment, be it careful observation over a specified time, or in performing operations to correct these maladies. Those located in the chest regions are usually operated upon immediately. The size of the aneurysm determines the need for surgery. If an aneurysm is as much as 5 cm or about two inches in diameter, it is then meeting requirements for corrective surgery.
Graft tubes or stints may be used to replace weakened areas in the surgical procedures and a section of the vessel is removed and replaced with the tube and may later removed after healing takes place. Some are left in place to insure that the damaged vessels will continue to have needed blood flow for the circulatory system to function properly in moving blood to all of the parts of the body.regular check-ups and exams are all necessary in monitoring aneurysms that may not be as life threatening. These are the kind that I personally suffer with and I have had surgery, as well, in replacing a faulty vein wall that was about to rupture. I was in the hospital for about five days on two other occasions when I first had blood clots discovered. The symptoms of swelling of lower extremities(upper and lower regions of legs) and blue or red coloration, indicates to physicians that there may well be a blood clot problem , as was that in my case. My clotting and aneurysms were brought on by a previous operation involving kidney stones, and cramped positioning of my legs, as I had to remain in classes for weekly sessions and on hours without ending. These led to clots forming in my left leg and the later surgery that was needed. I still have to remain on blood thinners and monthly monitoring of this. I have regular two -three month check-ups and scans by the vascular department at my local hospital.
Nearly 6 million suffer from blood clotting in this country alone. The problem is caused by injury, infection, and cramped seating for long periods(as in my case). Smoking, heart disease,diabetes, and some kinds of tumors, as well as lack of regular exercise, can all have detrimental effects that bring on blood clotting problems.Genetics or inherited factors may also influence problematic blood diseases, such as those associated with blood clotting. Some of my own problems may have been passed on to me through my mother and a biological father, who died with a major heart attack at the age of fifty years of age. Some of my aunts and a grandmother all died as a result of blood clots thrown to their lung or hearts and the clots that broke loose and moved to these regions. The heart, brain, and lungs are vulnerable in blood clotting and all may well be life threatening occurrences, as the clots reach these areas in the human body. As with aneurysms, blood clots are detected by x-rays, and ultra-sound and most physicians will have this ability in their offices in check-ups, or refer patients to vascular departments for this to be done.The use of blood thinners and other medicines may well be used to help move blood flow more quickly or easily through the veins, and which will accomplish all the metabolic and circulatory needs of the body.Catheterization or inserting of catheters in vessels to enhance blood flow is one method used by physicians in controlling circulatory problems and blood clotting.These stints or tubes strengthen the walls of the vessels and prevent their collapse or from bursting.
With the common sense used by most people in good diet, plenty of exercise and refraining from harmful habits, such as smoking and drinking of alcohol, an average person can live a long and productive life. Although problems caused by genetics or inherited diseases cannot be prevented, they can be monitored and controlled by regular check-ups, medicine, and diet. Blood clotting and aneurysms will always be a part of the problems faced in medicine and many sufferers , but it does not have to be a death sentence. This I can prove and give my own experiences, as the example. Obstacles in our lives are to be expected and we can all be successful in overcoming each, as they face us on a daily basis. Just live one day at a time and every thing will be okay. May God bless you all.