Your arteries perform a critical job: they circulate blood from your heart to all other areas throughout your body. Under normal circumstances, the arterial wall is strong enough to support the corresponding blood pressure. However, if those walls weaken, a rupture or dissection can happen. These are called aneurysms. While they typically happen in the aorta, they can also happen within the brain.

If a rupture happens, it can lead to bleeding within your body. On the other hand, a dissection manifests as a tear in one of the arterial layers. If this does occur, bleeding and blood will flow within the layers of the wall. If a patient does not receive immediate medical attention, both circumstances can be fatal.

Below, we’ll explore the influences which can lead to aneurysms as well as the factors that increase their risk. We will discus the signs of aneurysms, what to check for and treatment options.

Known Causes And Risk Factors

Because ruptures and dissections occur as a result of arterial wall weakening, it is important to know the conditions which ultimately lead to such weakening. High blood pressure is a leading factor. So, too, is age. Smoking plays an influential role, of course. Many doctors also believe genetics can be a factor.

Occasionally, patients who are suffering from specific disorders (for example, Loeys-Dietz syndrome or Marfan syndrome) are more susceptible to experiencing an aneurysm. These conditions and others can damage the aorta leading to a weakening in the arterial wall.

Potential Warning Signs

When most people think of aneurysms, they often imagine an immediate excruciating pain lancing through them. In truth, some people develop them without realizing it until years later. If one ruptures in the abdominal area, the symptoms are rapid; they include vomiting, a lightheaded sensation, and severe pain. If a dissection occurs in the thoracic area, it can cause acute pain throughout the back, chest, and jaw. It may also be difficult to breathe or swallow.

Medical Treatment

As noted above, if a rupture or dissection occurs, it is life-threatening and must be treated immediately. Otherwise, most types of medical treatment seek to prevent an existing aneurysm from becoming larger. Doing so can prevent a rupture or dissection.

A doctor will often prescribe medicine (for example, beta blockers) in order to decrease the patient’s blood pressure. If there is a risk that an aneurysm is getting larger quickly, surgery may be necessary. In most cases, the problematic portion of the aorta is removed and a graft is put in its place. Assuming the patient is in relatively good health, a full recovery is expected.

It is crucial that once this is diagnosed that the patient maintain a regular check-up schedule with their physician. The earlier and more consistently it can be treated, the less likelihood of experiencing a life-threatening situation.

More information about Aortic Aneurysm can be found at the Virginia Thoracic Surgeons website.

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