Types of Aneurysm Aneurysm is an excessive bulge of an artery caused when the artery walls get weak. This bulge may get ruptured or remain present silently without causing any harm. If it gets ruptured it causes internal bleeding and at times be very fatal even leading to death. Given below is the statistics that highlights the deaths caused by aneurysm.
Aortic aneurysm causes around 25000 deaths annually in America Over 30000 of brain aneurysm ruptures every year and from this around 40% of the people die
An aneurysm can be formed in any part of the body but is most common in the brain, aorta, legs and spleen. What are the causes of Aneurysm? The exact reason for the formation of aneurysm is not known, but there are certain factors that can cause this problem like damaged tissues, blockage of arteries by fatty deposits. When the fatty deposits cause the blockage the heart will have to pump harder to allow the blood to pass these deposits. This pressure can harm the arteries causing aneurysm. Some of the other causes are; Atherosclerotic disease – Individuals who have this disease have formation of a hard substance in their arteries. This hard substance which is termed as plaque harms the arteries and obstructs the flow of blood. High blood pressure – The flow of the blood through the blood vessels is measured by the pressure it puts on the artery walls. In cases of high blood pressure which is above the normal rate there will be immense impact on the blood vessels and eventually make them weak. Very high blood pressure will affect the heart blood vessel and also create blood circulation issues. It is not necessary that high blood pressure will always cause aneurysm. What are the types of aneurysms? The types of aneurysms are classified basis the body parts it occurs in. The most common types are;
Brain Brain aneurysms are formed due to thinning of the artery walls which are in the brain. The thinning of the artery walls is mostly formed at forks or branches as these areas of the blood vessels are generally weak. Brain aneurysms can be formed in different sizes and it is mostly developed in the blood vessels that are deep inside the brain. Many a times these aneurysms go undetected because it causes no symptoms and complications. But if it gets ruptured it can lead to a lot of complications. Brain aneurysms cause bleeding in about just 3% of the patients. Aorta Aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body and it travels right from the heart to the bottom of the abdomen where it gets divided into both the legs. The aorta is the main blood vessel that helps blood flow from the heart to the other parts of the body. Aorta is the most common area for formation of aneurysms. Some of the aorta aneurysms get ruptured while some remain undetected. At times aortic aneurysms forces blood to flow away from the organs and tissues which can lead to other problems like heart attack, stroke, kidney problems and even death. There are two types of aortic aneurysms which are; 1. Thoracic aortic aneurysms - These are aneurysms which are formed in the chest cavity. Some of the causes of thoracic aortic aneurysms are genetic factors, high blood pressure, infection, plaque formation, high cholesterol and injury. 2. Abdominal aortic aneurysms – These are aneurysms which are formed in the abdomen and are the most common form of aortic aneurysms. Other Areas where aneurysms occur are in the legs, behind the knee, spleen or in the intestines. What are the symptoms of aneurysms? The symptoms of aneurysms are different basis the type and the location. Aneurysms don’t show any signs or symptoms and may go unnoticed until they rupture. If an individual has aneurysm which is formed close the surface of the body, and then he/she may have swelling or pain in that location. Some of the signs and symptoms of aneurysm that get ruptured are;
Internal bleeding Irregular heart rate Pain Fainting or dizziness
The individual with ruptured aneurysms and the above symptoms will need emergency medical care. If left untreated this can cause a lot of complications and even cause death. Who are more at risk of Aneurysm? An individual may be at risk of getting aneurysm basis certain factors which include; Gender - Men are more prone than women Age – Older adults above the age of 60 Family Medical History – If anyone in the family has/had heart problems or heart attack Pregnancy – pregnant women are more likely to have aneurysm in the spleen A diet with high contents of fat and cholesterol Smokers Obesity How can aneurysm be diagnosed? CT scans and ultrasound methods are some of the options used to diagnose the problem and locate any blood vessel irregularities within the body. These methods will help doctor to check the blood vessels, to know if there are blockages, bulges and weak locations inside the blood vessels. How can aneurysm be treated? The treatment will be basis the type and location of aneurysm. If a person is suffering from aneurysm which is either in the chest or abdomen then an endovascular stent graft surgery will be an option to treat this problem. This process is a better option than an open surgery as it involves repairing and strengthening of the damaged blood vessels. This surgery also reduces the risk of any infection, scarring and other relation issues. The other treatment options would include treating the causes of aneurysms like medications for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Also specific beta blockers may be prescribed to few patients to lower their blood pressure as this will help prevent rupturing of the aneurysm. How can aneurysm be prevented? Some of the preventing measures to avoid aneurysm are; Eat a healthy diet which includes the following; o Plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains o Meat and poultry that is low in fat and cholesterol which is a better option for providing sufficient proteins to the body o Low fat dairy products
Exercise every day and mainly cardio exercises as this can help in proper blood circulation and blood flow to the heart, arteries and other blood vessels Quit smoking Visit the family doctor for yearly checkups