Medical Centric

Aneurysms

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Aneurysms

  • An aneurysm is a fairly common medical condition that occurs when an artery wall weakens and leads to a bulge.
  • The bulge can cause damage to the artery and lead to internal bleeding, which can prove to be fatal in certain circumstances.
  • Aneurysms can develop anywhere in the body, but they are most commonly found in the brain, legs, aorta, and spleen.
  • Around 13,000 deaths are attributed to aneurysms each year in the US, which makes it something that you need to be careful about.
  • Let’s look at aneurysms in detail:

    Causes

    • The exact cause for an aneurysm is still unknown, but certain factors can contribute to them occurring.
    • Tissue damage to the arteries can lead to them. The damage may be caused by blockages due to fatty deposits.
    • The blockage can get the heart pumping faster, increasing the pressure on the arteries, leading to damage.
    • Conditions such as high blood pressure and atherosclerotic disease can lead to aneurysms.
    • Common risk factors associated with aneurysms are:

 

  1. Being male and above the age of 60.
  2. Being obese.
  3. Smoking.
  4. Having a diet high in fats and cholesterol.
  5. Pregnancy, which increases the chances of aneurysms developing in the spleen.
  6. Family history of heart disease and heart attacks.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms caused by aneurysms vary according to the type and places they are located in.
  • Aneurysms occurring in the body and brain often don’t cause any symptoms.
  • Those located near the surface of the body may often cause pain and swelling. They can also lead to large masses right below the skin.
  • A ruptured aneurysm anywhere in the body causes the following symptoms:
    1. Increased heart rate
    2. Pain
    3. Bleeding
    4. Feeling light-headed and dizzy
    • If not found and treated quickly, aneurysms can prove to be fatal.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosing an aneurysm depends on its location.
  • Based on where it is, your doctor might ask you to consult a vascular or cardiothoracic surgeon.
  • Ultrasound and CT scans are typically used to help diagnose irregularities in the blood vessels.
  • The CT scans take X-rays of different parts of the body and look for any blockages, disruptions, or bulges in the circulatory system.

Treatment

  • Treatment for an aneurysm depends on its location.
  • For aneurysms in the chest or abdomen, an endovascular stent graft procedure may be required.
  • Stent grafts are usually preferred over open surgeries as they are less invasive and can be used to reinforce blood vessels and make them stronger.
  • Lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels is important as well, and you might be recommended medication for that.
  • Lowering blood pressure is important in keeping the aneurysm from rupturing.