Aneurysms

An Aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning of the wall of an artery. An aneurysm can happen in any part of the body but is most common in the aorta, the main artery that travels from the heart through the chest and abdomen. Aneurysms also happen in the brain which is referred to as a cerebral aneurysm. If an aneurysm in the brain bursts, it can cause a stoke. If an aneurysm goes undetected in can become larger and burst and cause serious internal bleeding and even be fatal. Sometimes a blood clot in an aneurysm will break lose and flow to a smaller artery blocking the flow of blood. The most common cause of aortic aneurysms is atherosclerosis which is the formation of substances on arterial walls. High blood pressure and smoking increase risks for getting aneurysms. Aneurysms can also be caused by some diseases. Often people with aneurysms have no symptoms so regular doctor visits are important. In obese people sometimes even large aneurysms go undetected.

1. Common locations: arteries at base of brain, aorta
2. As get larger more likely to burst
3. Most found when being x-rayed or having an ultrasound for a different reason
4. Can be caused by Marfan syndrome, untreated syphilis, and vasculitis
5. Can form in arteries of all sizes
6. Not all aneurysms are life threatening
7. Treatment: Medication and surgery
8. Men 5 times more likely than women to get aneurysms
9. Risks increase with age
10. Risk factors: Atherosclerosis, smoking, obesity, family history, trauma to the chest such as in a car accident, stimulant drugs like cocaine
11. Prevention: Quit smoking, low fat diet, low cholesterol diet, exercise, control high blood pressure and high cholesterol
12. 15 thousand Americans die per year to ruptured aortic aneurysms

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have an Aneurysm, please consult your doctor.

• Google News: Aneurysm Search
• HealthDay: Smokers at Increased Risk of Aneurysm Recurrence (March 28, 2008)
  • "Of the various factors that lead to a predisposition for these cerebral aneurysms, cigarette smoking is the only factor that has consistently been identified in all the populations studied and is also the most easily preventable," Dr. Erol
• HealthDay: Minimally Invasive Surgery Fixes Aneurysms (January 30, 2008)
• HealthDay: Clots Reduce Aortic Tear Survival (July 25, 2007)
• HealthDay: Drug May Cut Aneurysm Risk for Heart Defect Patients (June 12, 2007)
• HealthDay: Inherited Aneurysm Gene Erupts Earlier in Next Generation: Study (February 8, 2007)
• CBS News: 3-D Brain Scans Tackle Aneurysms (January 2, 2006)
• CBS News: HeartScore: Aneurysm Repair (February 14, 2002)