Definition:

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An aneurysm is a widening or dilation of your blood vessel. If it becomes too large it can burst causing dangerous and even fatal bleeding inside your body. Most occur in your aorta which is your body’s main artery that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. This means that an aneurysm can occur in many different places. (Chest, abdomen, brain, etc.). One common location of aneurysms is the abdominal aorta (AAA or abdominal aortic aunerysm).

There are many factors that may lead to aneurysms. Plaque can build up in the walls of your artery causing it to become thick and less elastic. The artery can stretch and bulge out eventually causing it to burst.

Other Risk Factors:

  • Smoking –According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute people who smoke are 8 times more likely to develop an aneurysm.
  • Having Constant uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
  • Family history of heart disease or aneurysms
  • Being overweight
  • Trauma to the chest
  • Infection such as Syphilis or Tuberculosis
  • Diabetes
  • Alcoholism
  • Having atherosclerosis or hardening of your arteries
  • Immunologic conditions

Signs and Symptoms of an aneurysm will vary depending on where it is located, what type it is and if it has ruptured. In some cases you may have no symptoms.

Signs/Symptoms:

  • Sudden intense persistent pain in stomach, chest or back
  • Low blood pressure, fast heart rate
  • Pain that radiates to your back or legs
  • Sweatiness or dizziness
  • Shortness of Breath

Treatment:

You may be at the doctor for other reasons like stomach or back pain when your doctor discovers an aneurysm. It can also be discovered during a routine x-ray or ultrasound. The treatment of your aneurysm will depend on its size and location. If it is small in size your doctor may recommend that you watch it and have regular checkups every 6 months to monitor its size. If your aneurysm grows more than 1cm a year or becomes larger than 5cm, your doctor may recommend surgery.

There are measures that you can take to help your blood vessels stay healthy. These include eating a low fat, low cholesterol diet, regular exercise, keeping your blood pressure under control and not smoking.