Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a “bulging out” or “ballooning” of part of the wall of a weakened blood vessel.  Aneurysms become dangerous (often fatal) when they burst, because of massive hemorrhage.

An aneurysm in blood vessels of the brain can cause hemorrhagic stroke.

Underlying causes of aneurysm include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

The following therapies may prevent/treat aneurysm:

Copper:

Rationale:

Copper is essential for the structural integrity of blood vessels.  It functions as a cofactor for the production of the collagen and elastin proteins that are required for blood vessel integrity.

Several animal studies have shown that copper deficiency significantly increases the risk of aneurysm.

A human study found that persons who died from aneurysm had only 26% the level of copper compared with persons who died from other causes.  This indicates that copper deficiency may cause aneurysm.

Dosage:

1 – 3 mg per day.

Bovine Cartilage:

Rationale:

Blood vessels affected by aneurysm have been found to have up to 90% less of a structural component named heparan sulfate compared with healthy blood vessels.

Bovine cartilage is a good source of heparan sulfate.

Dosage:

9,000 mg (9 grams) per day.

Vitamin C:

Rationale:

Vitamin C is essential for the production of the collagen and elastin proteins that provide structural integrity to blood vessels.  Inadequate collagen and elastin in the blood vessels contributes to aneurysm.

Researchers have proposed that optimal vitamin C intake helps to prevent aneurysm and may cure even large aneurysms.

Dosage:

1,000 – 3,000 mg per day.

Lysine:

Rationale:

Lysine is essential for the production of the collagen protein that provide structural integrity to blood vessels.  Inadequate collagen in the blood vessels contributes to aneurysm.

Researchers have proposed that optimal lysine (when used in conjunction with vitamin C) intake helps to prevent aneurysm and may cure even large aneurysms.

Dosage:

1,000 - 5,000 mg per day.

Lysine is most effective when it is taken on an empty stomach with water.

Lifestyle Changes to Assist the Prevention/Treatment of Aneurysm

Smoking:

Tobacco smoking is associated with an increased risk of aneurysm.

References

Bovine Cartilage

· Theocharis, A. D., et al.  Human abdominal aortic aneurysm is closely associated with compositional and specific structural modifications at the glycosaminoglycan level.  Atherosclerosis.  145(2):359-368, 1999.

Copper

· Tilson, M. D., et al.  Decreased hepatic copper levels. A possible chemical marker for the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms in man.  Arch Surg.  117(9):1212-1213, 1982.

Lysine

· Ely, J. T.  Aneurysm: prevention and nonsurgical repair.  Med Sci Monit.  10(1):HY1-4, 2004.

Vitamin C

· Ely, J. T.  Aneurysm: prevention and nonsurgical repair.  Med Sci Monit.  10(1):HY1-4, 2004.

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