Can an AAA be prevented?

Most of us hope a health problem can be stopped before it starts. For an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the source gives a clear but careful answer.

No known way to prevent it

my.clevelandclinic.org states that we have no known ways to prevent development of an AAA.

What it does suggest

If your family history is on your mind, the source points to a conversation with a clinician, in its words: Talk to your healthcare provider if your biological parent, sibling or child had an AAA.

Where to learn more

To see how the condition is described, start with the NHLBI, NIH overview of aortic aneurysm and the Society for Vascular Surgery page on abdominal aortic aneurysm. The NHLBI, NIH page on the causes and risk factors of aortic aneurysm is useful if you want to read about causes. The Society of Interventional Radiology page on abdominal aortic aneurysm and IR treatment options covers treatment.

One step you can take today

Ask your relatives whether anyone had an AAA, and share what you learn with your clinician.