Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: 5 Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Recurrence

As your largest artery, the cane-shaped aorta begins in the lower-left chamber of your heart, curves upward a short distance toward the bottom of your esophagus, then curves back down and extends through your chest and abdomen, ending in your pelvis. 

Aortic disease, or any condition that affects this major, all-important blood vessel, can be life-threatening, especially if it causes an aortic bulge (aneurysm) or split (dissection).

In recognition of Aortic Disease Awareness Month this September, our team at Advanced Vascular Surgery is taking a closer look at the importance of lifestyle changes following a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) diagnosis — whether your goal is to avoid surgery, prevent recurrence, or both.   

Thoracic aortic aneurysm explained

Your aorta delivers oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. It also carries nutrients and hormones to your organs and tissues through its many smaller branches. Any problem that affects your aorta is serious and requires prompt attention.  

A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is an enlargement, ballooning, or bulge in the section of the aorta within the chest. Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fatty plaque inside arterial walls, is the most common cause. Over time, these sticky deposits narrow the vessel, reducing blood flow and increasing internal pressure. 

Other TAA risk factors include:

• Older age (65+) and male gender
• Family history of TAA (present in 20% of cases)
• Cigarette smoking (current or previous)
• History of high blood pressure (hypertension)
• History of heart disease and/or COPD

In some individuals, TAA is a result of a genetic mutation or a connective tissue disease that weakens the arterial wall, leaving it susceptible to aneurysm formation. 

From watchful waiting to surgical repair

In about 95% of cases, thoracic aneurysms — even those that are large — don’t cause symptoms. Once it has formed, however, it will slowly grow larger and weaker, increasing the likelihood of a life-threatening rupture. 

Watchful waiting with routine imaging tests is often the first treatment approach for small TAAs. Surgical repair is recommended for TAAs that are large, growing quickly, or causing symptoms. Surgery may be recommended sooner if you have a condition (i.e., connective tissue disorder) that increases the risk of rupture.   

Managing TAA through lifestyle changes

Because aortic aneurysms tend to worsen over time, recur after repair, or even appear in another area, long-term medical management — including blood pressure medications and regular, lifelong imaging surveillance — is vital. 

Healthy lifestyle changes are also a key component of every TAA management plan. These strategies aim to: 

• Control blood pressure
• Reducing stress on the aorta   
• Support vascular health 

After TAA diagnosis or repair, our team recommends the following lifestyle changes:  

1. Quit smoking

Smoking cessation is the most important lifestyle change for slowing the progression of a thoracic aortic aneurysm and significantly lowers the risk of rupture and recurrence.

This means quitting all tobacco products (including vaping) and avoiding secondhand smoke, as well. Ask our team about programs, counseling, or nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit. 

2. Control your weight

Maintaining a healthy weight helps keep your blood pressure in check, taking stress off your aorta and the rest of your vascular system. If you’re overweight, losing just 5-10% of your total weight can make a major difference to your vascular health. 

3. Eat a heart-healthy diet

A diet that’s low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars — like the DASH eating plan — supports improved vascular health and helps you keep your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.

Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (i.e., fish, poultry), and heart-healthy, plant-based unsaturated fats (i.e., olive oil, avocado, nuts). Limit or avoid red meat, fried foods, full-fat dairy products, sodium-rich foods (i.e., chips, deli meats), sugary treats and drinks, and alcoholic beverages.     

4. Exercise (safely) 

Regular, moderate exercise is vital for physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and weight control. However, it is essential to avoid strenuous activities to prevent dangerous blood pressure spikes that can worsen an existing TAA or trigger a TAA recurrence. 

Approved exercises include moderate activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga. Activities to avoid include heavy isometric exercise (i.e., weightlifting), high-intensity workouts, contact sports, or any activity that requires you to strain or hold your breath. 

5. Manage your stress 

Intense physical activity, high stress levels, and strong emotions can trigger dangerous blood pressure spikes that prompt TAA growth, rupture, or recurrence. 

Stress reduction and management — whether achieved through exercise, group therapy, one-on-one counseling, spending time outdoors, journaling, listening to music, delegating tasks to others, or a combination of these approaches — is an important part of TAA control.  

Expert guidance for TAA management 

Whether you’re at risk for an aortic aneurysm or you were recently diagnosed with one, our Advanced Vascular Surgery team is here to offer expert guidance and support. 

Schedule a visit at your nearest office in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Battle Creek, Coldwater, Sturgis, or Three Rivers, Michigan, today.