An aneurysm is characterized by an abnormal swelling in the wall of a blood vessel. It usually occurs when the pressure of the blood passing through forces a weakened part of a blood vessel to bulge outwards like a balloon. An aneurysm can develop in any blood vessel in the body, but it’s more common in the brain and heart. This article explores various aspects of an aneurysm, including types, symptoms, complications, treatment, and more.
Types
Aneurysms are classified based on the location of the blood vessel in which they occur. Listed below are the different types of aneurysms.
Aortic aneurysm
The aorta is the primary and largest artery in the body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and passes through the chest and abdominal cavities. When an aneurysm occurs in a portion of the aorta located in the abdomen, it’s called abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), whereas an aneurysm in the portion of the aorta in the chest is called thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA).
Cerebral aneurysm
An aneurysm in the artery of the brain is called a cerebral aneurysm. This type of aneurysm can expand or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain.
Peripheral aneurysm
When an aneurysm forms in areas other than the brain and aorta, it’s called a peripheral aneurysm. It can occur in the arteries located behind the knees (popliteal aneurysm); near the spleen (splenic artery aneurysm); in the groin (femoral artery aneurysm); in the neck (carotid artery aneurysm), among other places.
Though aneurysms can form anywhere, those found in the brain and heart region are considered more serious.
Symptoms
An aneurysm may not produce any signs or symptoms until it grows rapidly, leaks, or ruptures. When symptoms occur, they depend on the location of the blood vessel affected. For example, symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm can include double vision, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, drooping eyelids, and difficulty speaking.
People with aortic aneurysms can experience a range of symptoms related to abdominal and chest problems, such as sudden and severe pain in the abdomen or chest, bloody stool, abdominal pain, bloating, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
Complications
Most people with aneurysms don’t experience complications. Complications typically occur when an aneurysm ruptures or leaks. Depending on the location of the aneurysm, complications can include:
Severe chest or back pain
Intense pain in the chest or back may be the result of the rupture of an aortic aneurysm in the chest.
Angina
Some aneurysms ruptures can cause angina, a chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Angina can lead to a heart attack.
Sudden and severe headache
If an aneurysm in the brain ruptures, it can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A primary symptom of SAH is a sudden, severe headache.
Other potential complications of an aneurysm include seizures, blood clots within the aneurysm, hydrocephalus, stroke, epilepsy, paralysis, congestive heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and sudden death.
Causes and risk factors
An aneurysm is the result of blood pushing against the walls of weak arteries. Several factors can make the artery wall weak, causing an aneurysm. These include:
High blood pressure
Over time, high blood pressure can damage and weaken blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis
It’s a condition characterized by the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. This can lead to the weakening of the arteries.
Congenital aneurysm
Sometimes, aneurysms can be present at birth. This condition is called a congenital aneurysm.
Other risk factors of aneurysms include smoking, poor nutrition, injury, and syphilis.
Diagnosis
In most cases, aneurysms remain undetected because they don’t cause any symptoms. If doctors suspect the condition, they may recommend multiple screening tests before giving a diagnosis. These include physical examination, X-rays, ultrasound scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiograms, and examination of cerebrospinal fluid. Certain tests, like the MRI scan, can detect an aneurysm before it ruptures and leads to potential complications.
Treatment
Treatment for an aneurysm depends on a wide variety of factors, including the cause, size, and location of the aneurysm. Before proposing a treatment plan, doctors also consider whether the aneurysm has ruptured or is at risk for rupture.
If the aneurysm is small and asymptomatic, doctors may use a wait-and-watch approach. This means that they will carefully monitor the condition using multiple imaging tests, like MRI, X-rays, and ultrasound. Then they will accordingly suggest treatment options and lifestyle modifications to prevent it from enlarging.
Lifestyle changes can help manage an aneurysm and prevent it from rupturing. These include taking steps to treat high blood pressure, quitting smoking, and working out regularly. One can also consume loads of healthy, nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits and veggies; whole grains; lean meats; and low-fat dairy products.
Surgery may be necessary in case of large, leaking, or ruptured aortic and cerebral aneurysms. Surgery options typically include open repair and endovascular stenting.
