What Is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm (AN-u-rism) is an abnormal bulge or
ballooning in the wall of an artery. Arteries are blood vessels
that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. An
aneurysm that grows and becomes large enough can burst, causing dangerous,
often fatal, bleeding inside the body.
Most aneurysms occur in the aorta. The aorta is the
main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The
aorta comes out from the left ventricle (VEN-trih-kul) of the heart and travels
through the chest and abdomen. An aneurysm that occurs in the aorta in the
chest is called a thoracic (tho-RAS-ik) aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm that
occurs in the aorta in the abdomen is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Aneurysms also can occur in arteries in the brain,
heart, intestine, neck, spleen, back of the knees and thighs, and in other
parts of the body. If an aneurysm in the brain bursts, it causes a
stroke.
About 15,000 Americans die each year from ruptured
aortic aneurysms. Ruptured aortic aneurysm is the 10th leading cause of death
in men over age 50 in the United States.
Many cases of ruptured aneurysm can be prevented
with early diagnosis and medical treatment. Because aneurysms can develop and
become large before causing any symptoms, it is important to look for them in
people who are at the highest risk. Experts recommend that men who are 65 to 75
years old and have ever smoked (at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime)
should be checked for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
When found in time, aneurysms can usually be treated
successfully with medicines or surgery. If an aortic aneurysm is found, the
doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce the heart rate and blood pressure. This
can reduce the risk of rupture.
Large aortic aneurysms, if found in time, can often
be repaired with surgery to replace the diseased portion of the aorta. The
outlook is usually excellent.
August 2006 |