Aneurysms
Aneurysms form balloons in weakened arteries of our bodies, potentially causing life-threatening problems such as a stroke.
Although aneurysms can form in any weakened artery, they commonly occur in the arteries of the brain and in the aorta, the central artery that extends from your heart through the center of your abdomen and chest.
Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, can weaken the arteries, which deliver oxygenated blood from our heart to the rest of our bodies. The pressure of blood traveling through the arteries can lead to this balloon-like bulge.
You can have an aneurysm for years without symptoms or problems. Others can have an aneurysm that pops, which can lead to a stroke if bleeding occurs in the brain.
Ruptured aneurysms must be treated quickly, usually within minutes, or it can become deadly: about 50% of all ruptured aneurysms are fatal.
Recently Answered
- Q What causes an aneurysm?
-
Aneurysms are caused by a weakening of artery walls. When the force of blood flow pushes against a weakened artery wall, it starts to bulge and form an aneurysm. There are many different genetic conditions, medical conditions, injuries, and lifestyle... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q What is an inflammatory aortic aneurysm?
-
An aortic aneurysm is a bulging section in the wall of the aorta (the large blood vessel delivering blood from the heart to the body) that has become stretched-out and thin. The wall of the blood vessel becomes weaker where it bulges and may burst or... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How serious is an aortic aneurysm?
-
Dr. Mark Russo, Cardiothoracic SurgeryAortic aneurysms are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 15,000-20,000 deaths annually. Aortic disease is often insidious. Most people with aortic aneurysms experience no symptoms, unless they are... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q When can minimally invasive surgery be used for aortic aneurysms?
-
Many aortic aneurysm surgeries can be performed with minimally invasive methods. Compared with traditional surgery, minimally invasive approaches may be associated with reduced pain, less scarring, and shorter recovery time. Most aneurysms of the aortic... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
-
In general, a patient suffering from an abdominal aneurysm may experience low back pain or pain in the center of the abdomen. Learn more from Johns Hopkins Medicine about an abdominal aneurysm. Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) found?
-
If you are thin and have a moderately large-sized abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), you or your doctor may be able to feel it below your rib cage. The majority of AAAs are discovered as a result of medical imaging for other conditions. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How can chronic inflammation lead to aortic aneurysms?
-
Inflammation in the wall of the artery can ultimately weaken it, causing the artery to stretch or expand. This weakened and stretched condition is called vasculitis, which is an inflammatory disease in a vessel. There are many causes of vasculitis,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is an aneurysm diagnosed?
-
Since many people who have aneurysms don't have any symptoms, the diagnosis is often made by chance when their doctor is performing a routine checkup or running tests for other reasons. In some cases, the doctor may feel a throbbing mass in the affected... Full Answer
4 Answers
A
- Q What happens during endovascular surgery?
-
Dr. Mark Russo, Cardiothoracic SurgeryAn endovascular stent graft repair is a treatment for aneurysms of the descending (thoracic and abdominal) aorta. It is similar to the approach used for a cardiac catheterization of the coronary arteries. This procedure requires only small... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the potential complications of endovascular grafting?
-
Deborah Davis, Obstetrics & GynecologyYour doctor will discuss the results of the procedure with you. Endovascular grafting produces very good outcomes. Patients will require follow-up for the stent-graft, but can be expected in most circumstances to live a normal life after... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
