Aortic Aneurysm

Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Sheila

An aneurysm—a stretching, bulging, and sometimes bursting of a blood vessel—can occur anywhere in the body, but those that happen in the brain, abdomen, and chest (aorta) are particularly lethal. The largest artery in our body, the aorta comes off the heart, extends down through the abdomen, and then splits off into each leg. When the walls of the aorta weaken, bulges can form under the pressure of every heartbeat. When a balloon gets too big, it can pop, often leading to death.

What Helps Prevents Aneurysms?

Dr. Dean Ornish and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn showed dramatic results in clinical studies related to reversing heart disease with a plant-based diet. Given that some aneurysms are fatal and not preceded by clear symptoms, it makes sense not to wait for a health emergency before changing one’s diet.

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