Aneurysms

A localized, abnormal bulging or ballooning in the blood vessel’s wall, which mostly occurs in arteries, is named an aneurysm. This disease is significantly life-threatening, particularly if it ruptures, causing stroke, internal bleeding, and even death. Aneurysms can occur in multiple body parts, such as the aorta (aortic aneurysm), peripheral arteries, and brain (cerebral aneurysm). They are generally asymptomatic and may remain unnoticed until they enlarge or rupture.

The risk of an aneurysm’s development increases with age. It is mostly common in people with conditions such as family history, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Imaging tests can detect this disease early and potentially reduce the chances of complications with the help of timely intervention as well as proper management. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the location, size, and likelihood of rupture and may involve screening, surgery, or medication.

Symptoms

Aneurysms usually present no symptoms until they grow large enough in size and rupture. However, certain symptoms may indicate the aneurysm’s presence.

• Sudden, severe headache (especially with brain aneurysms): A brain aneurysm may result in sudden and severe headaches, indicating the symptom of a ruptured aneurysm and needing urgent medical care.
• Pain in the abdomen or back (aortic aneurysms): An aortic aneurysm may cause severe or persistent pain in the chest, lower back, and abdomen.
• Nausea & Vomiting: Most aneurysms also cause nausea or vomiting, especially those found near or inside the gastrointestinal tract.
• Pulsating sensation in the abdomen: A feeling of pulsation in the abdomen may be an indication of an aortic aneurysm’s presence. This feeling may be felt by pressing on the abdomen.
• Vision problems or loss (cerebral aneurysms): Vision disturbance may result from a cerebral aneurysm, including double or blurred vision, or even complete vision loss in both or one eye.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech: Brain aneurysms may impact brain areas responsible for speech comprehension, causing a disturbance in speaking or recognizing language.
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body: In some cases, the aneurysm in the brain affects the motor areas, leading to numbness or weakness on one side of the body, resembling the symptoms of stroke.

When to See a Doctor

You must consult a doctor immediately when you experience symptoms such as severe or sudden headache or sharp pain in the chest or abdomen. These symptoms may present an aneurysm and need urgent medical care. To prevent serious and fatal complications, prompt detection and intervention are crucial.

FitwellHub offers access to professional healthcare providers who can diagnose and manage aneurysms accurately. Our services include regular monitoring and proper care. To book an appointment, visit the FitwellHub.

Causes

The major aneurysms are still unknown, but various factors can weaken blood vessel walls. Some of them are discussed here:

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure may put extra pressure on artery walls, causing aneurysms to develop with time. This is a potential risk factor for aortic aneurysms.
• Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries): Atherosclerosis includes the accumulation of fatty deposits on artery walls; as a result, these artery walls become weakened, and the chances of an aneurysm developing increase. This condition results from lifestyle factors including lack of exercise, smoking, and diet.
• Genetic factors: People with a family history of aneurysms are more susceptible to aneurysm development. Specific genetic disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome are linked to an increased risk.
• Injury or trauma to blood vessels: Physical trauma resulting from a fall or car accident can damage the walls of blood vessels, causing aneurysm formation. It can develop in any blood vessel but is mostly found in the peripheral arteries.
• Infections: In some cases, infections may lead to swelling in blood vessels, causing aneurysm development. Mycotic aneurysm is another name for this kind of aneurysm.
• Congenital defects in blood vessel walls: Some individuals have defects in their blood vessel structure from birth, making them more prone to the development of aneurysms. These congenital disorders can cause prompt aneurysm development in young adulthood or even childhood.

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors increase the chances of aneurysm development. Learning of these factors can help in early intervention and prevention. Some risk factors that can increase the chances of aneurysm development are given below:

• Age: The chances of aneurysm development increase with age, especially in people above 50, because the blood vessels become naturally weak with time.
• Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for developing aneurysms, particularly aortic aneurysms, as it weakens the walls of blood vessels and promotes the progression of atherosclerosis.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure): The chances of aneurysm development and rupture may be increased due to uncontrolled high blood pressure, as it puts extra pressure on arteries.
• Gender: Aneurysms, especially aortic aneurysms, are more common in males than females. However, brain aneurysms are more common in females.

Complications

The chances of rupture are the basic complication of an aneurysm, leading to internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening, and other severe consequences. Complications resulting from aneurysms may be severe and involve:

• Rupture: Rupture is the most dangerous aneurysm complication, causing severe internal bleeding. If a rupture of an aneurysm occurs, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding, causing severe blood loss and even shock. This condition needs urgent surgical treatment, and if not treated on time, it leads to death within minutes. 
• Blood clots: Thrombi (blood clots) can be produced due to the presence of aneurysms in the affected arteries. These blood clots can move to other body parts if dislodged, leading to heart attack, stroke, and other severe conditions.
• Compression of surrounding structures: Even if an aneurysm doesn’t rupture, it can still cause significant problems by compressing nearby structures. Large aneurysms may press the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or organs, resulting in conditions such as impaired function, pain, or numbness. Large aneurysms in the brain compress the nerves, resulting in vision problems, seizures, or difficulty speaking.

Prevention

Prevention of aneurysms includes management of risk factors and lifestyle changes to strengthen blood vessels. Some of the preventive methods for aneurysms are:

• Control blood pressure: Controlling blood pressure levels by diet, exercise, and medications can significantly decrease the aneurysm risks.
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps maintain cardiovascular health and decreases the chances of aneurysm development.
• Quit smoking: It is the most effective way to prevent aneurysms, especially aortic aneurysms.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet consisting of low cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fats can assist in preventing atherosclerosis, which is a significant cause of aneurysm development.
• Monitor family history: People with a family history of aneurysms especially need regular screenings and checkups to diagnose and prevent aneurysms timely.

FitwellHub provides elite healthcare in Pakistan that involves guidance for preventing and managing aneurysms. To learn more about this program and other services.

Diagnosis

An aneurysm is usually recognized through medical images, especially when there are no symptoms or it is discovered during the examination of other conditions.

Test

1- Ultrasound

An ultrasound is frequently used to identify the aneurysm in the abdomen or other body parts. It is a non-invasive method to monitor growth and detect the size of an aneurysm.

2- CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

A CT scan, which offers a 3D image of blood vessels, is used to diagnose and determine the size or location of aneurysms in the chest and brain.

3-MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

It assists in detecting cerebral aneurysms by providing high-resolution images of the blood vessels.

4- Angiography

Angiography helps detect aneurysms in complicated parts such as the brain. In this test, a contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels to visualize them on X-rays or other imaging techniques.

A study conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, found that 81.3% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (a bleeding condition in the brain) undergoing CT angiography had cerebral aneurysms, with a higher detection rate in females than males.

FitwellHub provides standard diagnostic services to diagnose and monitor aneurysms. To explore more or to schedule a test, visit the Fitwell Lab.

Treatment

The choice of effective treatment approach depends on location, chance of rupture, or size. Some of the effective treatment approaches are given:

• Monitoring (watchful waiting): Aneurysms with no symptoms and smaller in size may only need regular screenings to monitor any changes and increase in growth.
• Medications: Medications used for lowering blood pressure can minimize the chances of aneurysm progression and rupture.
• Surgical intervention: Aneurysms larger in size and at higher risk of rupture may need surgical repair like open surgery or endovascular stenting.

Medications

Medications are essential in the treatment of aneurysms, especially in decreasing the chances of complications and rupture.

1- Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers such as metoprolol or atenolol can assist in lowering blood pressure and stress on the aneurysm wall, resulting in decreased chances of rupture.

2- Statins

Simvastatin or atorvastatin can be suggested to decrease cholesterol levels and avoid the growth of atherosclerosis, which can lead to the formation of an aneurysm.

3- ACE inhibitors

Enalapril or lisinopril can assist in controlling blood pressure levels and prevent the growth of an aneurysm.

FitwellHub provides a range of medicines to assist in the treatment of aneurysms. To explore our pharmacy services, visit the FitwellHub Pharmacy.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s)