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

QHow can I reduce my risk of an aneurysm?

1 Answer

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A Intermountain Healthcare answered
You can help lower your risk of an aneurysm by taking these important actions:

If you use tobacco, stop now. Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the strongest factors in developing an aneurysm. Quitting is the single biggest difference you can make in your health.

Control your blood pressure to protect your arteries from further damage. Medication, exercise, and weight loss can help.

Control your cholesterol. Keep your total cholesterol under 200 and your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad") cholesterol under 100. This can be done with medications and a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.

Follow a heart-healthy eating plan, which can keep your arteries healthy too. Eat a diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt and high in fresh fruits, fiber, and vegetables.
QHow is an aneurysm diagnosed?

3 Answers

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A Piedmont Heart Institute answered
If you have aortic aneurysm, but no symptoms, your doctor may find it by chance during a routine physical exam. More often, doctors find aneurysms during tests done for other reasons, such as chest or abdominal pain.

If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), your doctor may feel a throbbing mass in your abdomen. A rapidly growing aneurysm about to rupture can be tender and very painful when pressed. If you're overweight or obese, it may be hard for your doctor to feel even a large AAA.

If you have an AAA, your doctor may hear rushing blood flow instead of the normal whooshing sound when listening to your abdomen with a stethoscope.

Specialists Involved
Your primary care doctor may refer you to a cardiothoracic or vascular surgeon for diagnosis and treatment of an aortic aneurysm.

A cardiothoracic surgeon performs surgery on the heart, lungs, and other organs and structures in the chest, including the aorta. A vascular surgeon performs surgery on the aorta and other blood vessels, except those of the heart and brain.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
To diagnose and evaluate an aneurysm, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:

Ultrasound - This simple, painless test uses sound waves to create pictures of the structures inside your body. Ultrasound shows the size of an aneurysm, if one is found.

Computed Tomography Scan - A computed tomography (CT) scan is a painless test that uses x rays to take clear, detailed pictures of your internal organs.During the test, your doctor will inject a special dye into a vein in your arm. This dye highlights the aorta on the CT scan images.

Magnetic Resonance imaging - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to create images of the organs and structures in your body. This test is very accurate at detecting aneurysms and pinpointing their size and exact location.

Angiography - Angiography uses a special dye injected into the bloodstream to highlight the insides of arteries on x-ray pictures. An angiogram shows the amount of damage and blockage in blood vessels.

This answer from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.
See All 3 Answers
QHow does diabetes affect my risk for aneurysms?

1 Answer

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A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

Diabetes appears to be a protective risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm for reasons that are unclear. The main modifiable risk factor for aneurysms is tobacco use.
QWhat are the risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)?

1 Answer

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A HealthCorps answered
In this condition, the large blood vessel called the aorta that supplies blood flow to the abdomen, pelvis and legs, enlarges and balloons outward. If not detected and treated, the aorta can tear, presenting a life-threatening situation. Your risk is elevated:

If you have a family history of this condition, meaning others in your immediate family had this disease.

If you are over age 65.

If you are a man, since men have a higher rate of aortic aneurysm when compared to women

High blood pressure and a smoking habit raise your risk.

This is a life-threatening condition that can remain silent for years. An ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can diagnose the condition and allow for life-saving surgery.
QWhat can I expect after endovascular surgery?

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A Methodist Hospital Specialty & Transplant answered

Most patients recover quickly from endovascular surgery—in most cases, remaining in the hospital for less than two days.