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Aneurysms can happen at any age but are more common during the ages of 30 to 60. Symptoms depend on where it occurs in the body and how large the aneurysm is.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a weak or expanded part of an artery, like a bulge in a balloon. Your arteries are large blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from your heart to other parts of your body. If an area in an artery wall weakens, the force of blood pumping through can result in a bulge or aneurysm.
Aneurysms usually aren’t painful. You might not know you have one unless it ruptures or bursts. If it does, it can be very dangerous or even fatal.
What are the different types of aneurysms?
An aneurysm can form in any of the arteries in your body. Aneurysms can occur in your heart, abdomen, brain or legs. The location determines the type of aneurysm.
Aortic aneurysms are by far the most common. They form in your aorta, your body’s largest artery. Your aorta carries blood out of your heart. Aneurysms that develop in arteries other than your aorta are called peripheral aneurysms.
Types of aneurysms include:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Abdominal aortic aneurysms may form where your aorta carries blood into your abdomen (belly).
- Cerebral aneurysms: Also called brain aneurysms, these aneurysms affect an artery in your brain. A saccular (or berry) aneurysm is the most common type of cerebral aneurysm. It forms as a sac of blood attached to an artery. It looks like a round berry attached to the artery.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm: These aneurysms are less common than AAAs. Thoracic aortic aneurysms form in the upper part of your aorta, in your chest.
- Carotid aneurysm: Carotid artery aneurysms form in your carotid arteries. These blood vessels bring blood to your brain, neck and face. Carotid aneurysms are rare.
- Popliteal aneurysm: These develop in the artery that runs behind your knees.
- Mesenteric artery aneurysm: This type of aneurysm forms in the artery that brings blood to your intestine.
- Splenic artery aneurysm: These aneurysms develop in an artery in your spleen.
What are the symptoms of an aneurysm?
In many cases, people don’t know they have an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures (bursts), it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Call 911 if you or someone you’re with shows signs of a ruptured aneurysm. Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm come on suddenly. You may feel:
- Lightheaded.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Sudden, severe pain in your head, chest, abdomen or back.
- Sudden loss of consciousness following a severe headache.
When an aneurysm causes symptoms, the signs depend on its location. You might notice signs of shock, such as a drop in blood pressure, feeling clammy and “out of it,” and having a pounding heart. Other symptoms of an aneurysm can include:
- Confusion or dizziness.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain in your abdomen, chest or back.
- Pulsating abdominal mass or swelling in your neck.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Vision changes.
Who is at risk for an aneurysm?
Different types of aneurysms affect different groups. Brain aneurysms affect females more than males. Aortic aneurysms more often affect males.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur most often in people who are:
- Males.
- Over the age of 60.
For illustration purposes only
How can I prevent an aneurysm?
Unruptured aneurysms are common. You can’t always prevent them. But you can reduce your risk of developing an aneurysm by maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid or quit smoking.
Source: my.clevelandclinic.org; health.com