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Leg Aneurysm

Condition Basics

What is a leg aneurysm?

A leg aneurysm (say "ANN-yuh-riz-um") is a bulge in a blood vessel (artery) in your leg. The bulge occurs in a weak spot in the artery. It can happen in one or both legs.

Blood clots can form in this type of aneurysm and can block blood flow in your leg.

What increases your risk?

Family history.

People who have a family member who had an aneurysm are more likely to have an aneurysm themselves.

Previous aneurysm.

People who have had aneurysms before—anywhere in the body—are more likely to have another.

Being male.

Men are more likely to have a leg aneurysm.

High blood pressure.

It increases the chance of an aneurysm getting bigger.

Smoking.

Smoking can damage blood vessels.

What are the symptoms?

Many leg aneurysms cause no symptoms. You may have symptoms if a blood clot forms in the aneurysm.

Symptoms of a blood clot may include:

  • Sudden pain in your leg or foot.
  • Your leg or foot being cool or pale or changing color.
  • Tingling or numbness in your foot.

How is it diagnosed?

An aneurysm may be found during tests for another, usually unrelated, condition.

You may have regular tests to find out the size of the aneurysm. Tests can include ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is a leg aneurysm treated?

A small aneurysm may not need surgery. But your doctor will watch it closely.

Aneurysms may need treatment if they are large or fast-growing or if they cause symptoms.

How can you care for yourself?

Having an aneurysm means you may also have other blood vessel problems.

There are many things you can do to improve your blood vessel health. Doing these things may also prevent more damage to your blood vessels. Your doctor may suggest that you:

  • Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
  • Manage blood pressure. A healthy lifestyle along with medicines may help you lower your blood pressure.
  • Manage cholesterol to help keep your blood vessels healthy. A healthy lifestyle along with medicines may help you manage cholesterol.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods.
  • Limit sodium, alcohol, and sweets.
  • Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
  • Ask your doctor what type and level of activity is safe for you. If your doctor recommends it, get regular exercise. Walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk every day. Try for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. You also may want to swim, bike, or do other activities.
  • Manage other health problems. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary