Which lifestyle recommendation is appropriate for a patient with an AVM to reduce rupture risk?

Which lifestyle recommendation is appropriate for a patient with an AVM to reduce rupture risk?

• A. Increase intense weightlifting
• B. Avoid heavy exertion or contact sports
• C. Smoke and vape regularly
• D. Consume a high-sodium diet

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that an AVM has fragile vessels that can rupture with spikes in blood pressure or head trauma. To lower rupture risk, the goal is to avoid activities that cause sudden BP increases or physical impact to the head. Choosing to avoid heavy exertion or contact sports is best because vigorous activity and contact can abruptly raise blood pressure and invite head injury, both of which can precipitate a hemorrhage from the AVM. Keeping activity moderate and avoiding situations that cause major strain helps maintain more stable hemodynamics and reduces rupture risk. Increasing intense weightlifting would raise blood pressure and intrathoracic pressure, increasing rupture risk. Smoking and vaping contribute to vascular disease and overall cardiovascular risk, which is undesirable for someone with an AVM. A high-sodium diet can raise blood pressure as well, further increasing risk.

The main idea is that an AVM has fragile vessels that can rupture with spikes in blood pressure or head trauma. To lower rupture risk, the goal is to avoid activities that cause sudden BP increases or physical impact to the head.

Choosing to avoid heavy exertion or contact sports is best because vigorous activity and contact can abruptly raise blood pressure and invite head injury, both of which can precipitate a hemorrhage from the AVM. Keeping activity moderate and avoiding situations that cause major strain helps maintain more stable hemodynamics and reduces rupture risk.

Increasing intense weightlifting would raise blood pressure and intrathoracic pressure, increasing rupture risk. Smoking and vaping contribute to vascular disease and overall cardiovascular risk, which is undesirable for someone with an AVM. A high-sodium diet can raise blood pressure as well, further increasing risk.