Abdominal aortic aneurysm: new treatment may reduce size; COVID infection may speed growth

Summary: The aorta is the biggest blood vessel in your body. It is about the size of a garden hose. Sometimes, the wall of the aorta gets weak and bulges out like an over-inflated balloon. This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. If the balloon gets too big and pops, it is a deadly medical emergency.

Doctors recently discovered two big things about this condition. First, if you have had COVID-19, this dangerous bulge can grow almost 10 times faster than normal! Second, scientists are testing a new treatment. By giving patients special stem cells through an IV, they can calm down the body's immune system. This new treatment might actually help shrink the bulge and keep people safe. If you smoke or have high blood pressure, you are at a higher risk, so it is very important to take care of your health.

For more details, see the American Heart Association at newsroom.heart.org/news/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-new-treatment-may-reduce-size-covid-infection-may-speed-growth (opens in new tab)

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