An aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of a blood vessel wall, most commonly caused by a weakened wall or increased pressure in the vessel. The three major causes of an aneurysm are arteriosclerosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), and trauma.
Arteriosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, occurs when fat and plaque build up in the walls of the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This causes the vessel wall to weaken and results in an aneurysm.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, causes the heart to pump more forcefully, which can place extra pressure on the walls of arteries in the brain and neck. The increased pressure from the blood flow causes a weak spot in the vessel wall, resulting in an aneurysm.
Trauma to a blood vessel can also cause an aneurysm. A blunt force trauma to the head or neck can cause the wall of an artery to become weak, leading to an aneurysm in the damaged part of the vessel.
In addition to the three major causes listed, there are several other factors that increase a person’s risk of developing an aneurysm. These include smoking, diabetes, and family history of aneurysms.
Who is most at risk for aneurysm?
People over the age of 40 are most at risk for aneurysms, although people of any age can develop one. Other factors that increase the risk of developing an aneurysm include smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), family history of aneurysm, and certain infections.
People with a history of head trauma are also at a higher risk. Some studies have found that men are more likely to suffer from a ruptured aneurysm than women.
Where do aneurysms most commonly occur?
Aneurysms are most commonly found in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body that carries blood from the heart to other organs. Aneurysms can also form in other arteries such as in the brain, the abdominal cavity, and other areas of the body.
Aneurysms occur when a blood vessel wall weakens, leading to a bulge or ballooning effect. The weakened area can eventually rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding, depending on the location and size of the aneurysm.
The risk of an aneurysm increases with age, so it’s important to detect and monitor them early. People with a family history of aneurysm, high blood pressure, and smoking are at an elevated risk. Treatments may include open surgery to repair an aneurysm or a newer minimally-invasive procedure that involves the installation of an artificial patch or self-expanding metal stents.
Can stress trigger an aneurysm?
Yes, it is possible for stress to trigger an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a weak bulging section in the wall of a blood vessel, usually a large artery. The weakened wall of the blood vessel may burst, which can lead to internal bleeding and potentially even death.
Although it is difficult to confirm that stress causes an aneurysm, there is evidence to suggest that the two are linked in certain cases. Certain conditions such as hypertension and long-term stress can cause the walls of blood vessels to weaken, which increases the risk of forming an aneurysm.
For example, a 2017 study out of London and Glasgow, UK, looked at the effect of stress on aneurysm risk and found that prolonged and chronic psychological stress, often caused by traumatic events, can lead to increased risk of aneurysm formation.
It is important to note, however, that stress is not a direct cause of aneurysms. Aneurysms can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as genetic predisposition, smoking, and trauma, among others.
If you are concerned about the risk of aneurysm, it is important to speak to your doctor.
Can you have an aneurysm for no reason?
Yes, it is possible to have an aneurysm for no apparent or known reason. Aneurysms are often caused by an underlying medical condition that weakens the wall of an artery. However, this is not always the case, and in some instances no cause can be identified.
This type of aneurysm is referred to as an idiopathic aneurysm. Researchers believe that in some cases, genetic mutations may be the cause of aneurysms with no identifiable cause. In addition, lifestyle factors such as smoking and high blood pressure can also increase your risk of developing an aneurysm.
It is important to be aware of any potential warning signs, and to speak with your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms, regardless of the cause.
Are there warning signs before an aneurysm?
Yes, there are warning signs to look out for before an aneurysm. Depending on the size and type of aneurysm, different symptoms may be present. Some signs to be aware of include a sudden, severe headache, vision problems or blurry vision, a feeling of numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs (especially on one side of the body), changes in the ability to speak or understand, pain above or below the eye, dizziness or fainting, seizures, and neck pain or stiffness.
In some circumstances, an aneurysm that has already ruptured may have less obvious symptoms, such as a dull headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion, and drowsiness. It is important to speak with a medical professional right away if any of these warning signs are present so that tests can be completed to determine whether a person has an aneurysm.
What age is prone to aneurysm?
Aneurysms can affect people of any age, but they are most common in people over the age of 40. Although aneurysms can occur at any age, the risk increases with age, with most aneurysms occurring in the 65-to-74 age group and in individuals older than 75.
In fact, the risk of aneurysm increases more than fivefold in people age 75 and older. Gender, ethnic background, and lifestyle factors also appear to play a role, with aneurysms being more common in men, Native Americans and African Americans, as well as those with a history of smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Where is the most common site for an aneurysm in the aorta?
The aorta is the largest artery in the body and most common site for an aneurysm is in the abdominal aorta. Aortic aneurysms occur more frequently in the abdominal aorta than the thoracic aorta. They can occur anywhere in the aorta, most often appearing in the abdominal aorta near the point where it exits the abdominal cavity near the spine.
The other major location for aneurysms in the aorta is in the thoracic aorta, which lies between the heart and the abdominal aorta. Aneurysms in this region are less common and can lead to more serious complications, so they need to be monitored closely.
What can be mistaken for an aneurysm?
Aneurysms can often be mistaken for other medical issues. Conditions such as stroke, brain tumor, migraine, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and trigeminal neuralgia can feel similar to an aneurysm, as they can produce similar symptoms, such as a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, and a stiff neck.
The differences between these conditions are subtle; it is important to have a physician evaluate any symptoms of an aneurysm in order to properly diagnose and treat it. Additionally, some congenital heart defects such as coarctation of the aorta (CoA) can cause an aneurysm-like appearance on imaging scans.
Finally, aneurysms can often be mistaken for other vascular-related issues, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). As with any medical issue, it’s important for individuals to speak with their doctor about any concerning symptoms in order to properly diagnose the condition and receive the appropriate treatment.
What is the life expectancy of someone with an aortic aneurysm?
The life expectancy of someone with an aortic aneurysm can vary greatly, depending on a variety of factors such as size, location, symptoms, and treatment. Even within the same individual, life expectancy can be quite unpredictable, as certain factors can cause the aneurysm to grow, rupture, or even spontaneously resolve on its own.
Without any treatment, the average life expectancy for an aortic aneurysm is about two years. In the worst case scenario, a person could die suddenly due to a rupture without any prior warning. With treatment, however, the life expectancy can often be greatly extended.
The most common treatment option for an aortic aneurysm is surgical repair, which can be done to stop it from bursting or to repair damage that has already occurred. In some cases, medicines may also be used to reduce the risk of rupture, especially in smaller or asymptomatic aneurysms.
When treated, the life expectancy for someone with an aortic aneurysm can be greatly improved. With surgery, the long-term prognosis is often good if the surgery is successful, and those who undergo surgery may live for many years or even decades afterwards.
Medication can also help to improve long-term outcomes if the aneurysm is small or does not cause any symptoms. Ultimately, the life expectancy of someone with an aortic aneurysm depends on a variety of factors and varies from person to person.
Do aortic aneurysms come on suddenly?
No, aortic aneurysms do not come on suddenly. Aortic aneurysms are typically caused by a weakening in the artery walls over time, usually due to age, high blood pressure, or other underlying conditions.
Typically, an aneurysm will cause little to no symptoms and go undetected until it is especially large, but some signs and symptoms may start to appear before diagnosis, including sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.
It is important to note, however, that an individual’s experience with aortic aneurysms may be different depending on the cause and location of their specific aneurysm. Therefore, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms to determine the cause and discuss the best course of management.
Is an aortic aneurysm a death sentence?
No, an aortic aneurysm is not a death sentence, however, it is a life threatening condition and should be taken seriously. An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the wall of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, which supplies blood to the abdomen, legs, and pelvis.
The enlargement weakens the walls and can rupture, leading to life threatening internal bleeding.
The best way to manage an aortic aneurysm is to stay informed and be proactive about your health. Be sure to keep up with regular checkups and vigilance for signs and symptoms of the condition, such as: abdominal, back or chest pain, shortness of breath or a pulsing feeling in your abdomen.
If you are at risk for developing an aortic aneurysm, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or exercising more, or medication to reduce your risk.
If you have already been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair or replace the aorta to reduce the risk of it rupturing. Surgery can be used to repair an aneurysm that is smaller than 5.
5 cm. For those with larger aneurysms, the risks of invasive surgery may outweigh the benefits and other surgical options, such as an endovascular stent graft, may be recommended.
With the right treatment and management, aortic aneurysms can be managed and even repaired, making it an unlikely death sentence.
What percent of the population has aneurysm?
It is estimated that about 6 million people in the United States have aneurysms, which would account for about 2% of the population. Aneurysms can affect people of all ages but are most common in people over the age of 40.
They are estimated to affect approximately 37 out of every 100,000 people in the United States each year. It is estimated that 1 in 50 people are already living with an undiagnosed aneurysm, however, the true prevalence is unknown as many remain undiagnosed.
Aneurysms can also occur in both the arteries and veins and can be found in any part of the body. Risk factors for aneurysm include smoking, high blood pressure, family history of vascular diseases, and atherosclerosis.
The overall risk of developing an aneurysm is also associated with age, with more than 20% of people aged 65 and over having an aneurysm.
What percentage of brain aneurysms are fatal?
Approximately one third of brain aneurysms are fatal. Most people may never even notice the aneurysm, or the rupture may be found too late or cause a serious medical emergency. For those that do, 30-50% of them will unfortunately die from the aneurysm.
Studies suggest that the risk of death is higher if the cerebrovascular injury is on the side of the brain that is responsible for motor control, as this usually leads to more severe symptoms. Additionally, if the aneurysm is found after a rupture or when there is massive bleeding, the risk of death is much higher.
Factors such as the location of the aneurysm, the person’s age, and whether they have had prior brain surgery will all determine the risk of death. With immediate treatment and professional care, the mortality rate can be lower.
Which type of aneurysm is most likely to rupture?
The type of aneurysm most likely to rupture is known as a “saccular” or “berry” aneurysm. These aneurysms are typically formed in the walls of large blood vessels, such as the aorta, carotid and vertebral arteries.
These aneurysms develop due to weakened arterial wall, most commonly caused by atherosclerosis or high blood pressure. Saccular aneurysms typically have a bulge or “berry” in the wall of the artery and are especially prone to rupture due to their shape.
If a saccular aneurysm ruptures, it can cause a severe amount of internal bleeding often leading to death. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of an aneurysm rupture, including a sudden and severe headache, loss of vision, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.