An aneurysm is a ballooning of an artery that occurs when part of the vessel wall weakens. Because aneurysms often cause no warning signs, a rupture can lead to catastrophic—and sometimes fatal—complications.

According to Medical News Today, aneurysms come in two shapes:

• Fusiform aneurysms – a circumferential bulge involving all sides of the vessel wall
• Saccular aneurysms – a pouch-like bulge arising from one side of the vessel wall

Aneurysms are also categorized by where they occur in the body:

• Aneurysms of the Aorta

The aorta is the body’s main artery, beginning at the heart’s left ventricle and running through the chest and abdomen. Its usual diameter is about 2–3 cm, but with an aneurysm it can expand beyond 5 cm.

The abdominal aortic aneurysm is the most common form.

• Brain (Cerebral) Aneurysm

This type of aneurysm develops in the arteries supplying the brain and is also called an intracranial aneurysm.

When a brain aneurysm ruptures, it is life-threatening. Urgent surgery within 24 hours is typically required to save life, and, unfortunately, about 66% of survivors are left with neurological impairment.

• A peripheral aneurysm forms in arteries away from the body’s center. These include:

• • Popliteal aneurysm – behind the knee
  • Splenic aneurysm – near the spleen
  • Mesenteric artery aneurysm – in the vessel that supplies the intestines
  • Femoral artery aneurysm – in the groin
  • Carotid artery aneurysm – in the neck
  • Visceral aneurysm – in arteries feeding the intestines or kidneys

Per WebMD, aneurysms result from weakening of the arterial wall due to atherosclerosis (vessel inflammation) and high blood pressure. They may also arise after internal injury, with certain infections, or be present from birth.

To diagnose an aneurysm, your doctor will ask about family history and then check you. Tests that may be done include:

• Heart (pulse) rate
• Blood pressure
• Neck arteries
• Feeling for an abdominal lump
• Checking behind the knee
• Ultrasound
• CT scan or MRI

Treatment for Aneurysms

Definitive treatment is to repair the aneurysm with open surgery or an endovascular procedure.

If an operation is not appropriate, your doctor may monitor the aneurysm and prescribe medicines. Management depends on the aneurysm’s size, type, and location.

Surgery may be recommended if the aneurysm enlarges or is judged to pose a higher risk.

Possible Complications of an Aneurysm

Medical News Today notes that unrecognized aneurysms can lead to complications such as:

• Chest and back pain
• Angina or coronary artery disease
• Sudden, severe headache

How to Prevent Aneurysms

Keeping blood pressure under control lowers risk. If you have a family history of stroke or heart disease, adopting a healthy lifestyle can further reduce aneurysm risks.

Exercise regularly, choose nutritious foods, maintain a healthy weight, and stop smoking.

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