Aneurysm

Aneurysms can affect anyone, even healthy people, and they can turn into a life-threatening issue in some cases.

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is an expanded part of an artery that affects a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel.

There are different types of aneurysms, depending on the location, like the heart, brain, abdomen, and legs, and the most common type is aortic aneurysm.

Causes of aneurysm

• The reason behind aneurysms is unknown in most of the cases. Sometimes people are born with them, and in some cases, they can develop at any point in life. The following causes may play a role in the formation of an aneurysm: family history, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and an injury in the aorta.
• The risk of aortic aneurysms is higher in males, and the risk of brain aneurysms is higher in females.

Symptoms of aneurysm

Aneurysms don’t cause symptoms in many cases, and when they do, the symptoms vary depending on the location, and they may include:

• Signs of shock.
• Pounding heart.
• Dizziness.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Vision changes.
• Increased heartbeat.
• Pain in the chest, back, or abdomen.
• Pulsating abdominal mass or swelling in the neck.

When an aneurysm ruptures, this is considered a medical emergency, and it causes:

• Lightheadedness.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Sudden and severe pain in the head, chest, back, or abdomen.
• Severe headache followed by sudden loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis of aneurysm

• Physical exam.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of aneurysm

• Unruptured aneurysms remain under monitoring to prevent them from bursting.
• Treatments include medication and surgery, depending on the case.
• The risk of aneurysms can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking.