DO:

• ֎  Maintain strict blood pressure control (~130/80).
• ֎  Maintain a healthy weight.
• ֎  Regular mild-moderate physical activity, such as:
  • Walking, Swimming, Light Jogging,
  • Biking, Dancing and Stair climbing.
• ֎  Eat a “heart smart” diet (no added salt, low sodium, low fat & cholesterol).
• ֎  Remember to take antibiotics before any dental or invasive procedure if you have had a surgical repair of your aneurysm.
• ֎  Question? Do I need to take antibiotics when I go to the dentist or have invasive procedures when I have an artificial aortic graft? Answer: No. Although people with artificial heart valves do have to take antibiotics for dental work in an effort to prevent their new valves from getting infected, fortunately those with an artificial aorta do not.
• ֎  Follow-up with your doctor(s) on a regular basis to monitor your general health and aneurysm.
• ֎  Have all first-degree relatives (parents, siblings and adult children) screened by their doctor for aortic aneurysms with a CT scan of the entire aorta. Aneurysms can run in families.

DO NOT:

• ֎  Push, pull, bear down or lift anything heavier than 30 pounds.
• ֎  Get tattoos or piercings.
• ֎  Smoke (avoid second hand smoke as well) or use any tobacco products.
• ֎  Shovel snow, chop wood, dig earth or use a sledgehammer.
• ֎  Lift heavy weights (heavy = 30 pounds or more).
• ֎  Ride amusement park rides.
• ֎  Participate in rigorous, competitive and/or contact sports.
• ֎  Use a shotgun that has a recoil energy more than 45 foot-pounds (do ask a specialist for advice/products to reduce recoil energy).
• ֎  Use a bow that has a draw weight that is more than 45 pounds.