Heart-Related Aneurysms: Types, Risks, Treatment and Rehabilitation

Generically, an aneurysm is an abnormal, balloon-like bulge in an artery. An artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to outlying parts of the body. Although arteries have comparatively thick walls and can, therefore, withstand normal blood pressure, various types of problems can damage or injure the artery walls and make them thinner. Damage to the arteries can result from trauma, genetic causes or various medical issues. When artery damage occurs and the arteries become thin, the force of even normal blood pressure against these weakened arteries can cause aneurysms.

Left undetected or untreated, some aneurysms can grow large and rupture; they can also “dissect.” A rupture (burst) can cause internal bleeding, is very serious, and even if not caused by trauma, can be a catastrophic injury resulting in death. When an aneurysm “dissects,” it essentially splits into one or more layers of the artery wall, resulting in bleeding into and along the layers of the artery wall. In either event, initially, acute care is needed and thereafter, rehabilitation and a course of clinically relevant services must be implemented to help the individual achieve the best possible outcome.

There are several types of aneurysms, One of the ways to differentiate them is by their location in the body. Most aneurysms occur in the aorta that traverses the chest and abdomen. They can occur in other arteries as well, but those are not as common. There are two types of aortic aneurysms: the abdominal aortic aneurysm and the thoracic aortic aneurysm:

• An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the most common type of aneurysm, although some individuals have both types. They are sometimes asymptomatic, but can grow very large. Once diagnosed, often by a CT scan that is done for other reasons, they are frequently watched for signs of growth and potential rupture. Some of the risk factors that may contribute to an AAA include emphysema, genetic factors, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, male gender, obesity and smoking.

• A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) occurs in the chest portion above the aorta, which is located above the diaphragm. This type may also be asymptomatic, even when it is large in size. In one common type, the walls of the aorta weaken and a section of it located close to the heart closes. As a result, the valve between the heart and the aorta cannot properly close. This allows blood to leak back into the heart. A less common type of TAA occurs in the upper back, away from the heart. The primary cause of this type of TAA is a traumatic injury, such as from an automobile collision. In addition to trauma, some risk factors that may contribute to a TAA include smoking or a history of smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Also, a history of AAA may contribute to a TAA.

Aortic aneurysms can be treated in several ways. These include medication either before or instead of surgery. Medication is used to lower blood pressure, relax blood vessels and thereby reduce the chance that the arterial aneurysm will burst. Surgery is another option, but is the most invasive and used first when the aneurysm is growing quickly or risks rupture or dissection.

The two main forms of surgery are open chest repair and endovascular repair. In open chest repair, the aneurysm is removed and the affected section of the aorta is replaced. Hospitalization is required for a period of time to ensure proper healing and rehabilitation is started. Recovery and a return to independence often takes a month or more. In endovascular repair, the aneurysm is not removed. Instead, a graft is inserted into the aorta to strengthen it. The graft is expanded inside the aorta to form a stable channel to allow blood flow.

After the individual has surgery and is stabilized, some rehabilitation begins in the acute-care facility. Thereafter, the individual may require the specialized, post-acute rehabilitation that NeuLife  provides. Here, a customized Client Goal Plan will be developed and clinically relevant services provided to ensure the best possible outcome for the client. The specialized rehabilitation provided at this stage will include a monitored exercise program and nutrition education designed to achieve successful sustained outcomes for the client.

NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best accomplished in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourage, assist and support each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to increase function and independence. NeuLife seeks to achieve, for all of its clients, maximized, sustained outcomes that exceed the expectations of all persons served.

NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is a fully accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic amputations and other catastrophic injuries.

2725 Robie Avenue

Mount Dora, Florida 32757