Peripheral Aneurysm - All You Should Know!

A peripheral arterial aneurysm occurs when there is a weakened or enlarged portion in your artery. It usually manifests in the legs or the neck. Though an aneurysm usually happens in the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) it can occur in any blood vessel.

What Are the Types of Peripheral Arterial Aneurysm?

When it comes to the artery of the abdomen, an aneurysm can be of three types- splenic, hepatic or celiac. A peripheral aneurysm can also develop in-

• Renal arteries of the kidneys
• Carotid arteries of the neck
• Popliteal arteries behind the knees
• Femoral arteries of the groin

Who are at Risk of Developing Peripheral Aneurysm?

A peripheral aneurysm can occur in both men and women. The risk goes up in people -

• Who has a family history of an aneurysm
• Who suffer from connective tissue disorder
• Who has already had an aneurysm before
• Who smoke or consume alcohol

Complications Associated With Peripheral Arterial Aneurysm Include

The complications that may arise out of peripheral arterial aneurysm are-

• Blood clots may develop in your blood vessels which disrupts the flow of blood and eventually leads to tissue death
• Blood clots may even lead to organ damage
• Aneurysms exert pressure on the surrounding tissues and may cause pain

Treatment for a Peripheral Aneurysm

The course of treatment depends on the location of an aneurysm and how badly the surrounding tissues have been affected. The following procedures are commonly adopted for a peripheral aneurysm-

• Bypass surgery: it is the most popular surgery to treat a peripheral aneurysm. Because the blood flow is impacted due to a blockage in the blood vessel, the blood is rerouted around an aneurysm. After that, the aneurysm is surgically removed or tied up (to ensure that blood does not flow into an aneurysm)

• Embolization (occlusion): this is the best way to treat a splenic aneurysm of the abdomen. It is a safe and non-invasive surgery

• Stent grafting: in this kind of surgery, a catheterization procedure is followed and a stent is grafted into the blood vessel and it seals up an aneurysm.

Can You Prevent a Peripheral Arterial Aneurysm?

Like all disorders, peripheral arterial disorder too can be prevented by adopting some simple measures-

• Exercise regularly and opt especially for a cardiovascular workout. Reserve 30 minutes for aerobic activity every day
• Your diet should be low fat and rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals
• Give up smoking and alcohol
• If there are people in your family who have a peripheral aneurysm, you should get checked yourself

A peripheral arterial aneurysm can take a lethal turn unless you seek treatment on time. With a healthy diet, exercise and if need be, surgery, you can lead a normal lifestyle.