It’s a word that has become almost part of casual parlance, but is still perhaps not fully understood by all. An ‘aneurysm’ is something many of us have heard about — and here is a chance to find out what it is. Read on.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge or a ballooning of the wall of a blood vessel. Aneurysms usually occur in arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body. When a section of an artery’s wall becomes weak, the blood pumping through it can cause the wall to expand or bulge out, forming an aneurysm. Aneurysms are not usually painful, and you may not even know you have one. However, if an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause bleeding inside the body, which can be extremely dangerous and may even be life-threatening.
Where do aneurysms occur?
Aneurysms can form in any artery of the body. They can occur in the heart, brain, abdomen, chest, legs, neck, or other parts as well. The most common aneurysm is the aortic aneurysm, which is formed in the aorta, the body’s main and largest artery that carries blood from the heart to the other parts of the body. When an aneurysm forms in the part of the aorta that passes through the abdomen, this is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Similarly, when an aneurysm forms in the upper part of the aorta where it runs through the chest, it is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm that develops in the blood vessels of the brain is a called a cerebral aneurysm. Aneurysms in arteries other than the aorta and brain such as those that form in the blood vessels of the leg, neck or groin are called peripheral aneurysms. Aneurysms can also form in arteries supplying blood to the intestine and spleen.
What causes an aneurysm to form?
The exact causes behind the formation of aneurysms are not fully known. Some may be congenital (present at birth) and some may be caused due to injury or disease. Risk factors for the development of an aneurysm include: being male, being over the age of 60, a family history of aneurysms, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use and elevated fats and cholesterol in the blood.
How common are aneurysms?
There is very little data available about the prevalence of aneurysms in India. A 2024 research paper, ‘Changes in global mortality from aortic aneurysm’ in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that the number of aortic aneurysm-related deaths “increased from 94,968 in 1990 to 172,427 in 2019, signifying an 81.6% increase, which greatly exceeds the 18.2% increase in all-cause mortality observed over the same time interval.” Examination of age-specific mortality demonstrated that the number of aortic aneurysm deaths markedly correlated with advancing age, the paper said. Globally, it noted, hypertension surpassed smoking as the leading risk factor.
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, an organisation based in the United States, there are almost 5,00,000 deaths worldwide each year caused by brain aneurysms, and half the victims are younger than 50. Women are more likely than men to have a brain aneurysm (3:2 ratio). Women, particularly those over the age of 55, have a higher risk of brain aneurysm rupture than men (about 1.5 times the risk).
What are the signs and symptoms?
Aneurysms may form without any symptoms and may only be found during check-ups for other issues. Not all aneurysms rupture. However, if an aneurysm bursts, it is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Depending on the location of the aneurysm, the symptoms of its rupturing may vary. These may include, a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, pain in the abdomen, chest or back, difficulty swallowing, a pulsating abdominal mass, rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness.
As some of the symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm may resemble symptoms of other medical conditions, it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
What is the treatment?
A ruptured aneurysm can cause internal bleeding. An aneurysm can also lead to the formation of a blood clot which can then break off and travel to other parts of the body, potentially blocking blood vessels and causing a stroke. Immediate medical attention is necessary in these cases.
Treatment options for aneurysms may take into consideration age and overall health, as well as the location and size of the aneurysm. With unruptured aneurysms, doctors may monitor it closely, with the goal being to prevent its rupture, particularly with smaller ones. Medication to improve blood flow, lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure may be prescribed, alongside recommendations to modify lifestyle factors. Larger aneurysms at risk of bursting may require surgery. There are a number of procedures including open repairs, endovascular repairs and other procedures.
It is important to seek medical care if you suspect you have an aneurysm.
Published – June 28, 2025 04:35 pm IST
