A bulge in a weak spot of the aorta as it runs through the abdomen, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can burst, causing rapidly fatal internal bleeding. AAA are often asymptomatic and usually found during a routine physical or a screening for another condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. High blood pressure contributes the formation of an AAA, and controlling high blood pressure is an integral part of treatment.
Cause
The aorta, normally the diameter of a garden hose, is designed to withstand high pressure in its role as the major supplier of blood to the body. However, over time, the tremendous force of blood pounding against the wall of the aorta can weaken it. The Merck Manual lists hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, as one risk factor for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm, due to the added burden placed on the walls of the aorta.
Risk
Poorly controlled high blood pressure not only can cause an AAA to develop, it can also contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis, or hardening and narrowing of the arteries, says the Mayo Clinic. Arteriosclerosis is an independent risk factor for developing an aneurysm, because it also increases the pressure on the walls of the arteries.
Prevention
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that lifestyle changes, including controlling high blood pressure, can help reduce the risk of developing an AAA. In addition to medications to help lower blood pressure, the Mayo Clinic suggests decreasing the amount of sodium (salt) in the diet, losing weight, exercising more, reducing stress and quitting smoking as means to help lower and control blood pressure.
Recommendations
If an abdominal aortic aneurysm is small---under 4 cm---a doctor might recommend blood pressure medication as the primary form of treatment in a "wait and see" approach. If the aneurysm remains the same size with blood pressure medication and careful monitoring with ultrasounds every 6 months to a year, the patient can avoid surgery. For larger aneurysms that do require surgery, a doctor might recommend blood pressure medication to stabilize the patient's condition before the surgery, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Medications
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, doctors most commonly prescribe beta blockers and calcium channel blockers to lower blood pressure in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Beta blockers help to lower the force of the heart beat and open up blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers relax the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels, allowing them to dilate a bit and reducing the force of blood flow through them.
