Between 2% and 5% of individuals in the U.S. are living with an aneurysm—and most of them don’t know it. An aneurysm is a bulge that forms in the weakened wall of one of your blood vessels, typically an artery such as the aorta. Without proper medical attention, an aneurysm could eventually burst (or rupture), causing life-threatening issues such as internal bleeding. While most aneurysms don’t rupture, it’s important to understand the warning signs and schedule routine screenings to monitor aneurysms. Speak with a Bayhealth neurology expert about aneurysm screenings and treatment options.
Signs and Symptoms
Exact symptoms of an aneurysm depend on its location and growth. Aneurysms can occur in any artery in your body, including your heart, brain, abdomen and legs. Most individuals aren’t aware they have an aneurysm until it ruptures—an event that requires emergency medical attention. The clearest symptom of an aneurysm is severe pain that comes on suddenly.
Additional signs of a ruptured aneurysm include the following.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Impaired vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or dizziness
- Intense fatigue
An abdominal aneurysm may also cause a pulsating mass to form.
Risk Factors and Prevention
While exact causes depend on where in your body the aneurysm developed—your abdomen, brain or other location—the following are among the most common risk factors.
- Advanced Age: Individuals aged 60 and older are at greater risk of developing aneurysms compared to younger individuals.
- Atherosclerosis: This condition occurs when fatty substances (plaque) build up on the walls of your arteries and cause them to narrow or thicken. This process hinders blood flow, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke and aneurysms. Learn more.
- Gender: Men are at greater risk of aortic aneurysms while women are more likely to develop brain aneurysms.
- Genetics: A family history of aneurysms may increase the risk that you will develop one at some point in your life.
- Obesity: Excessively high body weight can create factors that increase your risk of aneurysms, including high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.
- Race and Ethnicity: White individuals have a heightened risk of aneurysms compared to other races and ethnicities.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco or using other nicotine-delivery systems (including vaping) can heighten your risk of aneurysms over time.
How We Diagnose Aneurysms
Our experts use the following procedures to diagnose aneurysms.
- Angiogram: A contrast dye is injected into your bloodstream, making your arteries and veins visible during X-ray image scans.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your body.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your body in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
- Echocardiogram: Sound waves directed at your chest produce a moving image of your heart and heart valves for evaluation.
- X-ray: A common medical imaging procedure, X-rays use radiation to capture colorless images of your bones, joints and soft tissue.
- Ultrasound: High-energy sound waves are bounced off your internal tissues and organs, creating a detailed image (sonogram) of your torso.
Treatment Options
When an aneurysm is detected before rupturing, our experts may choose to routinely observe it for a period of six months to a year to track its rate of growth. During this period, we may recommend conservative treatments meant to manage risk factors, including making lifestyle changes to address high blood pressure. We may also prescribe medications to target high blood pressure or hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of fats and cholesterol).
Eventually, our team may perform surgery, such as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). A minimally invasive surgical technique, EVAR uses a thin tube (catheter) to reinforce or repair your artery. Speak with an expert at Bayhealth about aneurysm treatment.