An aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning of the wall of a blood vessel that has weakened. If the bulge stretches too far, it may leak or rupture. Aneurysms are most common along the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When a rupture occurs, the body cavity fills with blood. This sudden bleeding results in shock and often rapid death. An aneurysm that ruptures in an artery of the brain causes a stroke.
It is not known why aneurysms occur in some people and not others. People with the greatest risk are white men over age 55. Aneurysms are among the top ten causes of death among this group. Brain artery aneurysms affect both men and women at younger ages. Men are three times more likely to have abdominal aortic aneurysms than women. Aneurysms appear to be caused by a congenital weakness in the vessel wall, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, injuries, infection, smoking, and other diseases.
Most aortic aneurysms grow slowly. Over many years, the walls slowly stretch and enlarge like a balloon. The normal aorta is about as wide and as tough as a garden hose. An aneurysm in this blood vessel can grow to the size of an orange before it ruptures. One-third of aneurysms that are larger than 2 inches wide rupture within 5 years. The risk of dying from a ruptured aneurysm is about 90 percent.
Brain arteries and aneurysms are much smaller. Aneurysms do not always cause symptoms. They are often noticed during routine medical exams. Many are found during diagnostic procedures for other problems. In some cases aneurysms are detected by ultrasound exams, CAT scans, MRIs, or X-rays.
When symptoms occur, they depend on the site of the bulge. A pulsating sensation may be felt. Pain is caused from the pressure on surrounding organs. An aneurysm in the chest affects swallowing if it presses on the esophagus, or may cause chest pain if it presses on the lungs. Pain may be felt in the back and groin from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Most people are unaware of the aneurysm until a rupture occurs. People usually describe the pain as severe or tearing when an aneurysm begins to leak or rupture.
People with symptoms should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of surgery with their healthcare provider. No drugs have been developed to detect or reduce the growth rate of aneurysms. Be prudent in your health choices: stop smoking, monitor your blood pressure, and exercise in moderation to improve your physical fitness.
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