What Is an Aneurysm? 

An aneurysm occurs when the walls of a blood vessel or artery in the abdomen, brain, or chest start to weaken and bulge. It’s possible to live with an aneurysm for a long time without symptoms or complications. However, if the aneurysm ruptures, it can be a life-threatening emergency.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629560dcfa6-960e-43e1-b010-3e4a8fc23da7 Risk factors for an aneurysm include modifiable factors (such as smoking) and unmodifiable factors (such as age).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d284d382-594c-474d-999e-47c7428e5ac0
Types of Aneurysms Types Aneurysms have two shapes:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c7570992-c27f-4829-975c-9d805e495f53 Saccular Aneurysm The most common type, this is also known as the berry aneurysm because of the berrylike sac that develops on the Y section of the artery, as well as on the neck and stem. Fusiform Aneurysm This type of aneurysm is less common and has an equal outpouching (bulging) of the artery wall on all sides without a stem. It has a lower risk of rupture. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms The aorta is the main artery in the body, supplying oxygen to the brain, muscles, and cells. An abdominal aortic aneurysm develops in the portion of the aorta located in the abdomen. Abdominal aortic aneurysms affect around 1.1 million people between the ages of 50 and 84 in the United States.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762980f9b050-8d39-4fe6-bfcc-01e59a260a95 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms A thoracic aortic aneurysm forms in the portion of the aorta in the chest, above the diaphragm. Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in about 6 to 10 of 100,000 people.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629443b04b2-1720-4c7c-9918-ddfb258b56b6 Cerebral Aneurysms Cerebral aneurysms can occur anywhere in the brain, but most form in the major arteries along the base of the skull. All cerebral aneurysms have the potential to rupture and cause bleeding within the brain or surrounding area.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290e0c5b6c-76fb-49b5-9ae5-49ff63aedb96 Peripheral Aneurysms Peripheral aneurysms can occur in the popliteal arteries, located behind the knees, the femoral arteries in the thigh, or the main arteries in the groin and the carotid arteries in the neck.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762955e6d043-6b9d-45a4-b6b6-463808650c98 Peripheral aneurysms in the abdomen, also known as splenic aneurysms, are rare. Those in the legs only affect 0.007 percent of men and fewer women.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629505f2435-4a36-4b98-941d-42d7c0613cdf About 40 percent of people with a peripheral aneurysm also have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and 5 to 10 percent of people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm may also have a peripheral aneurysm.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c2947835-424a-4a62-8457-ddecc05fbc2f Mycotic and Dissecting Aneurysms Mycotic and dissecting aneurysms are disease processes by which aneurysms can form, rather than individual types of aneurysms. For example, someone can be diagnosed with a mycotic cerebral aneurysm or a dissecting carotid aneurysm, which affects the carotid artery that carries blood to the head and brain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ccf2bd4f-6c19-45aa-bd27-697945b4fa44 Mycotic Aneurysm Mycotic aneurysms are caused by a bacterial infection — usually one that originates in the heart, such as endocarditis — and can cause the arterial wall to become infected and dilated. Mycotic aneurysms are rare and represent 0.7 to 3 percent of all aortic aneurysms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ca5b6c03-dffb-43f5-897d-bdda0509b59a Dissecting Aneurysm A dissecting aneurysm occurs when a tear in the inner layer of the aorta causes blood to collect between the inner and middle layers of the aortic wall. This can limit blood flow to the organs or may lead to a rupture of the aorta.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762954950cea-5a89-4f40-a344-96a2d50b7ca1 There are two types of dissecting aneurysms:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292f842975-5a72-4842-bd0f-ac81481f8a7a Type A is more common and dangerous. It involves a tear in the part of the aorta where it exits the heart. The tear may also occur in the upper aorta (ascending aorta), which may extend into the abdomen. Type B involves a tear in the lower aorta only (descending aorta), which may also extend into the abdomen. Aortic dissection is uncommon, occuring in 5 to 30 out of 1 million people each year.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762974935b90-51ca-4a6c-b9ae-d4709c4697ff
Signs and Symptoms of Aneurysms Symptoms Here’s a look at the signs of an aneurysm by type. Symptoms vary depending on the location and the severity of the aneurysm. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629012e59dc-3a41-4f75-bf45-07c58ba0f52e A pulsating or throbbing feeling in the abdomen Bloating Pain in the abdomen or back Swelling of the face, neck, or arms Fainting Feeling full after not eating very much Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291d3c8f0d-3615-4fff-81ed-83f9529de852 Pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back between the shoulder blades Pain in the chest or back Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath Hoarseness Trouble swallowing Cerebral Aneurysm Symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629613bc917-b820-4d15-8ea3-fafd28e1f8ad Sudden and severe headache Nausea or vomiting Stiff neck Blurred or double vision Sensitivity to light Seizure Drooping eyelid A dilated pupil Pain above and behind the eye Loss of consciousness Confusion Weakness and/or numbness Peripheral Aneurysm Often, peripheral aneurysms do not cause symptoms. When they do, they include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762950e1d27b-a99e-4ea2-beaf-cbd3cde2c91b Stomach pain Fainting Feeling full soon after eating Renal aneurysms symptoms include: Uncontrolled high blood pressure. Flank pain. Leg peripheral aneurysms symptoms include: Sudden leg pain Weakness or numbness in your leg Painful or discolored toes Mycotic Aneurysm Symptoms of a mycotic aneurysm include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f9a80d96-c356-4dd8-ac72-4f80d99a34fd Fever Back pain Severe headache Painful mass in an extremity Dissecting Aneurysm Symptoms of a dissecting aneurysm include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296356127b-a646-45ab-ab95-f831ef191534 Difficulty speaking, loss of vision, or weakness Fainting Shortness of breath Sudden, severe pain in the chest, back, or abdomen
Causes and Risk Factors for an Aneurysm Causes and Risk Factors Aneurysms occur as a result of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, along with damage or an injury to the artery’s walls. Various factors may drive their development. Health conditions associated with elevated aneurysm risk include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b24b4c5d-c6f5-4ef8-b4fc-ab9c637b97a7 High blood pressure (hypertension) High cholesterol Atherosclerosis Obesity Bacterial infections (mycotic aneurysm)e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b5756876-8474-41bc-8d8f-8151e36c37dc Certain genetic conditions, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndromee60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ba630024-3348-408a-af41-189ec964877c Other risk factors for an aneurysm include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629afa6e953-8bc7-4ca4-b4e7-053ca388bb02 Poor diet Smoking Substance abuse disorder, especially of drugs that spike blood pressure Being 55 or older History of physical trauma Family history also affects aneurysm risk. Those who have a first-degree relative (biological sibling or parent) with an abdominal aortic aneurysm are 10 to 20 times more likely to be affected themselves.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e0fe1a52-8bb5-47a9-91a8-24d48498b996 How Does Gender Affect Aneurysm Risk? Although men are about 4 times more likely than women to have abdominal aortic aneurysms, women have a higher risk of these aneurysms rupturing, regardless of the aneurysm size.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297013607b-54f9-4561-ba96-d1649f41cde7 Women are also more likely than men to have brain aneurysms, at a ratio of 3:2.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b5ff0358-e55e-49d1-a737-e005d4905573 It’s not entirely clear why women have an increased risk of certain aneurysm events. Estrogen is thought to be a protective factor, putting postmenopausal women at higher risk. Women’s blood vessels are also smaller in diameter than men’s, which may be another factor.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290f648e4f-307b-4c31-a7a2-a400a9044c6c The Link Between Smoking and Aneurysms Smoking cigarettes is a risk factor for all types of aneurysms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762906b27d7c-29c0-449b-9b4a-4b4c57658217 Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels, which makes you more likely to develop atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for aneurysm.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629925f96aa-9f9a-4e2c-a524-f2586936d9c9 Having a plan and knowing where to turn for support are two keys to quitting smoking .
How Is an Aneurysm Diagnosed? Diagnosis Along with evaluating symptoms, doctors use several tests to diagnose an aneurysm. Aortic Aneurysm For abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, a computerized tomography (CT) angiogram can help doctors see the extent of the aneurysm and if there is also a clot in it. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used. An abdominal ultrasound is recommended to screen men for aortic aneurysms. If an aneurysm smaller than 5.5 centimeters (cm) in diameter is found, your doctor will repeat the ultrasound every 6 to 12 months to make sure it doesn’t grow.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762950d6b3b4-611a-448d-936c-ae54da8b9b0a Because symptoms can be vague and look different in women than in men, it’s important to know the warning signs. In 2019, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated their screening guidelines for abdominal aortic aneurysm for people who do not have signs or symptoms. According to the new recommendations, men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have ever smoked should have a one-time ultrasound screening instead of routine screening of all men in the age group. The task force recommends against routine screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in women who have never smoked and have no family history of the condition.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299928b410-6a34-4ba2-a5ac-a3d2df12479c Cerebral Aneurysm Most cerebral aneurysms do not cause symptoms unless they rupture; unruptured brain aneurysms may be detected during medical imaging tests for another condition. Tests that can be used to detect a brain aneurysm include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762993552f4b-4dc1-4995-94c1-ec203ec414c6 CT scan Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) Peripheral Aneurysm Peripheral aneurysms are diagnosed with a physical exam, ultrasound testing, and CT scans.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291426ce1a-afd1-425f-9980-07dc08ef851e Mycotic Aneurysm Mycotic aneurysms can be diagnosed with a physical exam, blood tests (to check for an infection), and imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and angiograms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629094d10c9-7e17-462e-a441-29f44fb12b94 Dissecting Aneurysm A dissecting aneurysm is diagnosed with CT scans, MRIs, and echocardiograms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cdd7b66b-8da7-4405-8362-3f1e83ad4903
Aneurysm Treatment Treatment Treatment for an aneurysm depends on its cause, size, location, the factors that put you at risk, and whether the aneurysm has ruptured or is at risk for rupture. Your doctor may decide on a wait-and-watch approach or recommend medication, surgery, or a combination of treatments. Wait and Watch Aneurysms that are small and asymptomatic may only require close and careful monitoring, called watchful waiting, with imaging studies performed periodically. The size and rate of growth determines how frequently it should be checked. Most people with an asymptomatic aneurysm less than 4.0 cm (1.6 inches) are advised not to have immediate surgery but to have an ultrasound examination of the abdomen every six months to three years. Most people with an aneurysm larger than 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) in diameter or one that expands more than 0.5 cm within a six-month period are advised to have it repaired.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298ca16e5e-8ca3-4fff-a98b-9763df8f5cf2 Medication Options No medications can treat an aneurysm, but some may be used to reduce the risk of one worsening: Blood pressure medicines , such as calcium channel blockers and beta blockers , may be prescribed to control blood pressure because hypertension can further weaken an aneurysm and increase the risk for leaking or rupture. Statins , such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), may be used to prevent vasospasm, a condition in which the arteries in the brain narrow after a brain aneurysm rupture. Antiplatelet medication may also be prescribed in patients who undergo surgery to repair cerebral aneurysm. Surgery Options and Procedures Treatment for an aneurysm is individual and based on several factors, such as where it is located, how large it is, and if it has ruptured. Because all types of surgery carry risks, and recovery times vary, it’s important to compare the options with your doctor. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms For large, leaking, or ruptured aortic aneurysms, two types of treatments are available:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d1fb84ad-84d5-4f2e-b5ac-3b52c07310df Open Repair During open repair, the surgeon removes the aneurysm and a portion of the aorta. The section of the aorta is then replaced with a graft. Endovascular Stenting With endovascular stenting, the surgeon threads a catheter into the aneurysm, uses an X-ray to visualize the artery, and inserts a stent graft into the aneurysm. The stent graft allows blood flow through the aorta instead of the aneurysm and reinforces the weakened section of the aorta to prevent a rupture. Cerebral Aneurysms If an aneurysm is growing or at risk of rupture or dissection, these are the surgical options:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762906d3da81-dce3-44d9-8215-5f9cbd342b17 Open Repair (Microvascular Clipping) This surgery involves placing a small titanium clip across the neck of the aneurysm to prevent blood flow. Endovascular Embolization Coils are inserted into the aneurysm to stabilize it and prevent blood flow. The wire causes a blood clot and destroys the aneurysm. Flow Diversion Treatment This treatment closes the aneurysm by using a device made of fine metal wires that guide blood flow through the artery and past the aneurysm. Peripheral Aneurysm The treatment for a peripheral aneurysm depends on its location, the condition of the surrounding blood vessels, and other medical issues. Options include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762982fc09a0-42ac-45ad-89f6-cc5e36abaa9c Open Surgical Repair The aneurysm is removed and replaced with a graft made of metal and fabric. Endovascular Repair This is a minimally invasive technique that uses catheters and guidewires to place a stent graft inside the blood vessel. Mycotic Aneurysm Mycotic aneurysms are treated with a combination of antibiotics and surgical repair.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c583bb7d-20e8-49d9-911b-3fc645b66a24 Dissecting Aneurysm Beta-blockers may be prescribed to lower blood pressure and heart rate to a normal range. Surgeries including open repair, coronary bypass graft surgery, endovascular repair, and aortic valve repair may be used.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762952bade70-d6af-4988-af2a-29a1b2ee708f
Preventing Aneurysms Prevention Because aneurysms can cause lifelong health complications or be fatal, it’s important to know your risk factors and your family history. These lifestyle measures may help minimize the risk of developing an aneurysm:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cba13b57-c922-4035-aee9-370993d77504 Eat healthfully. Avoid foods high in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium when you can. Instead, focus on whole foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein such as boneless and skinless chicken breast, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocado and nut butter. If you have high cholesterol, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish, nuts, and seeds to help get your levels in a healthy range. Manage hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to manage it. Exercise regularly. A regular fitness regimen can lower your blood pressure and triglycerides, raise good cholesterol, and, in combination with a healthy diet, help you lose weight. Quit smoking. Over-the-counter smoking cessation aids, prescription medication, and support groups can all help you kick the habit. Talk to your doctor about which options they think would work best for you.
Aneurysm Prognosis Prognosis Because many aneurysms cause no symptoms, some people live for years without knowing they have one. The risk of rupture depends on the size, location, and shape of the aneurysm. The outcomes and chance of recovery for an aneurysm depend on the type. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Abdominal aortic aneurysms of 3 to 4 cm in diameter are considered small, 4 to 5.5 cm are considered medium, and greater than 5.5 cm are considered large. The risk of an aneurysm rupture increases markedly at aneurysm diameters greater than 5.5 cm.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f37c6fad-bc1c-4f7b-a1d1-a4507b60cb71 Aortic aneurysm surgery has good outcomes when performed before a rupture or dissection. However, most people who experience a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm do not survive. Of those who make it to the hospital alive, 50 percent do not survive the repair.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294051425f-20a1-432e-9207-8b5b3ac94e70 Overall, abdominal aortic aneurysms are estimated to cause 4 to 5 percent of sudden deaths.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299e4a1125-61da-4f17-9022-120f845626da Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Among patients with a thoracic aortic aneurysm who have elective surgery, the five-year survival rate is 85 percent, while those who undergo emergency surgery have a five-year survival rate of 37 percent.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299534cf8f-ca7b-4917-a974-bd9317ce463e Cerebral Aneurysms Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 50 percent of cases, with about 15 percent of people dying before they reach the hospital. Of those who survive, about 66 percent suffer permanent neurological deficits.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762977f69f8e-3c68-4cb8-bc82-79577c08e689 Peripheral Aneurysm The risk of a peripheral aneurysm rupturing is low. However, these types of aneurysms can cause blood clots, which can lead to serious complications such as tissue damage and organ failure. Mycotic Aneurysm Nearly all untreated mycotic aneurysms lead to rupture and can be fatal, which is why timely diagnosis and treatment are key.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a9100b89-ab50-45a5-999e-40be581460c6 Dissecting Aneurysm Untreated Type A dissecting aneurysms have a high mortality rate. The 5-year survival after surgical repair for this type is approximately 70 to 80 percent, while the 10-year survival rate decreases to around 50 percent to 60 percent due to complications such as aortic aneurysms, repeated dissection, and other cardiovascular events. The five-year survival rate for repaired type B dissections is approximately 75 to 85 percent. Over time, there is an increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm, repeated dissection, and rupture. Regular imaging and blood pressure control are critical to improving long-term prognosis for this type of dissection.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bec2cfeb-7253-40a7-9ca6-290572d1cf45
Complications of Aneurysm Complications The complications of an aneurysm depend on the type, severity, and if the aneurysm has ruptured. Abdominal Aortic and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Complications of aortic aneurysms include aortic dissection, regurgitation, rupture, heart failure, cardiac tamponade (a buildup of fluid around the heart), kidney failure, lack of blood flow to the bowels, and injury to the large intestine.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c11d2e1d-0e27-481d-8f2c-9ad8625cd11d Cerebral Aneurysm A ruptured cerebral aneurysm can cause stroke, seizures, and permanent brain damage.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299e71e851-9040-41b5-a660-ac258ab121e6 Peripheral Aneurysm Peripheral aneurysms have a low risk of rupture, but they can lead to blood clots, which may block blood flow or travel to other areas of the body, leading to tissue or organ damage. They can also cause pain and swelling if they put pressure on surrounding nerves and veins.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762914db693c-0978-4867-ac13-a6474dfd145c Mycotic Aneurysm Complications of ruptured mycotic aneurysms include sepsis, multi-organ failure, and amputation.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629917be66e-71b2-4cd2-aafb-7a35dd4f2244 Dissecting Aneurysm Complications of dissecting aneurysms include multi-organ failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, renal failure, cardiac tamponade, acute aortic regurgitation, compression of the superior vena cava, and death.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762976c21743-54f1-40d0-92a0-c8e26d9f9247
Research and Statistics: How Many People Have an Aneurysm Each Year? Statistics About 6.7 million people in the United States, or 1 in 50, have an unruptured brain aneurysm each year, while 30,000 people in the United States experience a brain aneurysm rupture each year.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ba8b449f-d071-4c9d-9e05-73dbee05a48a Abdominal aortic aneurysms affect around 1.1 million people between ages of 50 and 84 in the United States.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e4ee4a8b-e63e-4caf-af4e-69748a4deb2b Women are 4 times more likely to experience a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm than men, and the risk of a fatal rupture is 3 times higher in women than in men.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629191ef0f1-59c0-432c-9d2e-cd72cea48538 About 6 to 10 per every 100,000 people experience thoracic aortic aneurysms, and about 20 percent of those cases are linked to family history.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292901ae8a-c0a8-4b1f-a648-c6606385ba34
Disparities and Inequities in Aneurysms Disparities Certain communities have a higher risk for various types of aneurysms. Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans have been found to have lower rates of abdominal aortic aneurysm than white and Native Americans.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c61f7c08-433d-48e9-aa27-6337e60c2a1e Compared with white Americans, Black Americans and Hispanics are almost twice as likely to have a brain aneurysm rupture.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a219c35a-ec5b-41d4-8d39-5ccd5a58714c While the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm is more common in white Americans than Black Americans, the latter have been found to have worse outcomes after repair.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629aa004d2e-793f-4c12-868d-51b4487e2979
The Takeaway An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel or artery in the abdomen, brain, or chest starts to weaken and bulge. Aneurysms don’t always cause symptoms. If they rupture, however, it is considered a life-threatening emergency. Risk factors for aneurysms vary depending on their type and location, but some risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, atherosclerosis, age, and obesity. Various medications and surgical procedures can repair some aneurysms, though they are more likely to be effective in those that haven’t ruptured. Addressing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking can help prevent some aneurysms from forming.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: AneurysmsCleveland Clinic: Thoracic Aortic AneurysmNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What Is Aortic Aneurysm?American Heart Association: What Is an Aneurysm?Brain Aneurysm Foundation: Ruptured Aneurysm Symptoms

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