ANEURYSMS

An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. This weakened area can begin to leak or burst causing internal bleeding. Aneurysms are described according to specific blood vessels where they develop or to the area of the body they affect.

The major artery leading away from the heart is the aorta. An aortic aneurysm is a weak area in this major artery. Aortic aneurysms may occur anywhere along the length of the aorta. The aorta extends from the heart, through the diaphragm, and into the abdominal cavity. It then branches into two common arteries that extend into the legs. If an aneurysm occurs in the chest, it is called a thoracic aneurysm. If an aneurysm occurs in the abdomen, it is called an abdominal aneurysm. If the wall of a large area bursts, it is usually fatal.

An aneurysm is usually caused by a slow weakening of the blood vessel wall. Usually, the wall of a blood vessel is weakened by the buildup of cholesterol or other deposits. Over time, this weakened area slowly develops as a bulging or ballooning of the blood vessel. Sometimes a person is born with a weak portion of a blood vessel. High blood pressure and smoking increase the risk of aneurysm formation. A traumatic injury to the chest can cause a thoracic aneurysm. Infections can also weaken blood vessels.

Many aneurysms are found by an x-ray or other test, such as an ultrasound. Sometimes an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be felt (during an exam by a healthcare provider) as a pulsating tube deep inside the abdomen.

An aortic aneurysm is a very serious problem. A small aneurysm may not cause symptoms. It is important to watch it over time to see if it is getting bigger. The provider may want to do tests to see how big it is and find out if the blood is flowing normally through the bulging area. The blood can flow along the outside edge of the bulge. When this occurs the blood supply may be cut off to other blood vessels making it easier for the aneurysm to break.

Sometimes an aneurysm may cause symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath. An abdominal aneurysm may cause a deep boring pain in the lower back. An aortic aneurysm may not have symptoms until it starts to leak or break. Medical care is crucial.

Treatment may include medicines and surgery. Surgery can be done if the aneurysm is discovered before it has started to leak or break. Two types of corrective surgery will allow the blood to flow normally and keep the aorta from breaking. One type of surgery involves opening the chest, or abdomen, to replace the damaged part of the aorta with an artificial tube. Less invasive surgery involves making a small opening in the leg to insert a thin hollow tube, or catheter, into an artery and then into the aorta. The catheter has a mesh synthetic tube on the end of it (called a stent) that is placed in the damaged area. The tube expands to hold open the wall of the blood vessel.

For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Heart Association, call the national office at (800) 242-8721, or visit their website at www.americanheart.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CARD3487.RF2 VRS# 6183 Data Version 7.0