Prevention

What you can do yourself

Perhaps the most important message on this page is that you are not helpless against your aneurysm.

 

The number of aneurysm ruptures has decreased by around 40% worldwide in the last three decades – and this is essentially not due to neurosurgical or neuroradiological therapies, but rather to less smoking and better-controlled blood pressure in the population.

Blood pressure

Consistently managed blood pressure is the single most effective factor. We will discuss target values with you and your family doctor.

Quit smoking

Smoking increases both the likelihood of developing an aneurysm and the likelihood of it bleeding. Quitting smoking therefore has a twofold effect, and it works quickly. We can arrange a structured cessation program for you upon request.

You don't have to change your life

Sports, sexual intercourse, flying, coffee, heavy lifting – all of these are generally permitted with an unruptured aneurysm. A blanket "take it easy" approach has no scientific basis; it reduces your quality of life without lowering your risk. We will discuss what applies to your specific case with you personally.

What we are currently researching

In the PROTECT-U study, we are investigating whether a combination of consistent blood pressure reduction and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid can reduce the probability of bleeding – the world's first study of its kind.