In this article we talk about Aneurysm, what it is and symptoms at risk of rupture. The word ‘aneurysm’ is of Greek origin, and refers to an unusual dilation that occurs in a blood vessel in the human body. This is due to a weakness produced in our vascular structure or the deterioration of it. After aneurysm, the family may require hiring a carer to keep an eye on the convalescent.

And also, some indications that the doctor could give to the patient about his treatment before or after the operation.

Aneurysm, what exactly is it?

What exactly is an aneurysm? This question is asked by many people when a family member or older dependent is diagnosed.

This is completely understandable, because when it appears you have to put yourself in the hands of doctors immediately because of the risk involved.

An aneurysm is a dilation that occurs in the walls of the arteries in a localized manner and is permanent. It must be controlled and it may be necessary to operate so that a stroke that could be fatal does not occur.

This dilation of the wall of a blood vessel is often caused by weakness of the same. Normally this is of the arterial type, so they develop in the aorta or at the base of the brain.

There are various types of aneurysms, although the most common ones develop in the abdominal aorta. However, it is not surprising that they appear in other blood vessels for multiple reasons. These include: atherosclerosis, infections caused by bacteria or of the hereditary type.

Aneurysm, what it is and symptoms at risk of rupture – origin

Although there are many advances in the world of medicine, and many studies, on the origin of the aneurysm, knowing exactly what causes it is not entirely clear. What causes a person to have an aneurysm.

However, it has been determined that one of the strongest causes lies within the genetics of the patient who has an aneurysm. Many of the aneurysms which doctors detect are congenital and are discovered at birth.

In addition, there are several factors that cause it or increase the probability that a person may suffer such pathology. These lie in smoking, high cholesterol values and hypertension.

Therefore, leading a healthy lifestyle will always be positive in order not to suffer from this pathology, which if not detected in time, could cause the blood vessel to break.

This could even lead to the patient’s death.

Aneurysm, what it is and symptoms at risk of rupture. Types:

There are various types of aneurysms but among them the most well known are:

• Brain aneurysms: usually affect five percent of people and are the most common in the older adults. Its size ranges from a few millimeters to even exceed one centimeter.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: These occur in the area of the aorta that passes through the abdomen. They are usually seven centimeters or more and, therefore, have a greater risk of rupture.
• Dissecting Aneurysms: also known as “aortic dissection”. Damage appears in the area that lines the aorta internally. However, the external part remains intact so that when blood passes through this channel it causes the intermediate layer to lift, creating a new duct in the area of the aortic wall.
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: These aneurysms, which cross the thorax itself, are the most frequent ones. They become dilated from the place where it starts from the heart.

Aneurysm symptoms:

The symptoms of the aneurysm can be very different, since depending on the type the patient suffers, one or another can develop. These are some of them:

Brain aneurysm symptoms. Although these may not present any, something to be aware of, the symptoms may range from intense headache or other type of headache; loss of vision or double vision; eye or neck pain and even stiffness in the same.

Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It may begin by manifesting itself as a kind of pulsation in the abdomen, with intense pain especially in the area of the back, and depending on the position, if it is changed, the pain may subside.

In case a rupture occurs, internal hemorrhaging could be produced that would come to cause the person’s shock and probably death, as occurs in many cases.

Symptoms of aortic dissection. Many people who suffer it experience sudden and intense pain normally between the shoulder blades. It all depends on the arteries that are blocked.

The person could suffer from sudden pain in the abdominal part, to paralysis of a limb, a heart attack or a stroke.

Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. This type may not show any symptoms but can be extremely serious, although sometimes it produces intense painful signals in the upper back, wheezing (whistling when breathing) and coughing.

Sometimes this symptom is confused with a heart attack, because the pain can manifest itself in the chest and even in the arms. Also, there is a possibility that the esophagus may be compressed so that swallowing becomes more difficult.

In cases of blood loss, death may occur.

Operation and treatment of the aneurysm:

After the aneurysm operation, depending on the type, the person must follow all the doctor’s instructions and the treatment he or she indicates, which usually includes changing the lifestyle to a healthier one.

This could take the form of:

• Modifying the type of diet (maintaining a specific weight).
• Exercise (the doctor will indicate the type and intensity to the patient).
• Quitting tobacco.
• Learning to manage stress.
• The patient should follow all the guidelines indicated by the doctor who is handling his/her case, this is only an informative article and each person should be treated differently.

Therefore, it is always necessary to follow the guidelines of the specialists.

We hope this article has helped you to learn more about what an aneurysm is and methods for treating it.