An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when your abdominal aorta -- the large artery transporting blood to your gut and lower body -- balloons outward. The precise cause of AAAs is unknown, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, although obesity, smoking, hypertension and being male are all factors that may contribute to this health problem. Nutritional support may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your AAA, although you should always discuss nutritional treatments with your doctor.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Your aorta, like your other arteries, notes the Cleveland Clinic, is elastic, which allows this blood vessel to fill under increased pressure. Aneurysms, or the unnatural distension of your aorta, develop when the walls of your abdominal aorta become weak. In some cases, your AAA may rupture if it becomes too large, which is a life-threatening scenario. Symptoms associated with a AAA rupture include severe and sudden back or abdominal pain, clammy skin, nausea and vomiting, elevated heart rate and shock.
Nutritional Support
Nutritional support, especially nutritional supplements, may be helpful in treating your AAA, although further scientific testing may be required to support the use of nutritional supplements for this condition. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," calcium and magnesium, essential fatty acids, grape seed extract, hawthorn, olive, mistletoe, bean pod, ginger, garlic and linden may be helpful nutritional supplements in maintaining your arterial health.
Nutritional Supplements in Focus
Calcium and magnesium may be two of the most important supplements in maintaining the health of your circulatory system. Calcium and magnesium, notes Balch, are required by your body to maintain proper muscle tone in your blood vessels, including your abdominal aorta. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, calcium helps build healthy bones and teeth, is involved in cell signaling and is an important cofactor for many enzymes and proteins. Magnesium plays a crucial role in the structure and function of your body, notes the institute.
Warning
AAAs are serious health problems that may lead to dire health consequences if they rupture, including death. Possible complications associated with AAAs include stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, arterial embolism and hypovolemic shock. If you are diagnosed with an AAA, discuss all possible treatment methods with your physician. Nutritional supplements should be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of this condition and should not replace other therapies recommended by your primary care provider.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Cleveland Clinic: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Calcium
- Linus Pauling Institute: Magnesium
