1. Aortic Aneurysm
Traditional Treatment:
Open surgical repair of aortic aneurysm is considered the traditional method of treatment. It involves a large abdominal or chest incision with a 1-2 week hospital stay and 6-12 week recovery period. The success and long-term survival rate is high, and it prevents the aneurysm from rupturing. However, this is a major operation and the risks are substantial. These include heart or lung complications and even death in older or unwell patients. Open surgery is only recommended if the overall health of the patient is good and if the aneurysm is a sufficient size. Aneurysms less than 5cm in diameter have a low risk of rupture, and conservative imaging follow-up may be recommended.
Causes:
A weakening in the wall of the aorta is the common cause of an aortic aneurysm. The exact cause of the weakened walls is still unknown; however, some possible factors include atherosclerosis (cholesterol deposits), high blood pressure, tissue disorders such as Marfans or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, infection of the aorta, and injury. There are also genetic factors involved.
Aortic aneurysm is an expansion or ballooning of the aorta to more than 150% of its normal size. It causes the aortic wall to become weaker and may eventually rupture. Aortic aneurysm can occur anywhere on the aorta. Aneurysms are seldom symptomatic and are usually discovered when tests are performed for some other reason. They are a mechanical problem and do not go away when treated with medication.
2. How to Prevent Stroke in Singapore
Here are some ways on how to prevent stroke Singapore.
High cholesterol increases the risk of stroke. It leads to atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries) and narrowing of the arteries, and hardening of the arteries making them more brittle and easily blocked or broken. Lowering your LDL cholesterol has been shown to decrease the risk of stroke.
The presence of diabetes increases your chance of getting a stroke. It is essential to control your blood sugar level to prevent stroke and complications from diabetes.
Blood pressure is the single most important cause of stroke. If you suffer from high blood pressure, lowering your blood pressure is very effective in preventing stroke. Lowering blood pressure is crucial for overall health and well-being. One effective way to achieve this is by making simple yet impactful lifestyle changes. Start by reducing salt intake and adopting the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Opt for healthier food choices that are rich in potassium and calcium, as these nutrients can help regulate blood pressure. Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, such as brisk walking for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, can also significantly lower blood pressure. Additionally, moderating alcohol consumption is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. By implementing these strategies into your daily life, you can take proactive steps towards achieving optimal blood pressure and improving your overall health.
3. Peripheral Vascular Disease
Symptoms:
Many patients with PVD may be asymptomatic or dismiss their symptoms and relate them to the aging process. The most common symptoms of PVD involve the patient feeling pain in the legs while walking, which is relieved by rest. This pain is known as intermittent claudication. Other symptoms may include leg fatigue, heaviness, cramping, aching, or pain that the patient can’t explain. They may also have disturbed or restless sleep due to discomfort in their legs.
What causes peripheral artery disease?
The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis, a gradual process that hardens and narrows the arteries. This is the underlying cause for the majority of PVD cases. Other potential causes for PVD may include blood clots, injury to the blood vessels, cysts or tumors, and other vasculitic conditions. The severity of the condition is very much based on the extent of the constriction of the affected arteries.
What is peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?
Peripheral vascular diseases are conditions with the capacity for impairing blood flow through the arteries and veins of the circulatory system. Impeded blood flow can lead to many serious health problems. The most common condition of PVD, which is peripheral artery disease, occurs due to the narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with circulation.
