COnditions we treat

What are aneurysms?

An aneurysm is the ballooning or bulging of a blood vessel wall that can eventually rupture. A rupture causes internal bleeding and can often be fatal. Aneurysms frequently occur in arteries rather than veins and may develop in the following areas:

• Aorta.
• Abdomen.
• Chest.
• Brain.

Aneurysms can also appear in blood vessels in the legs, neck, groin, or other peripheral areas. Aneurysms that rupture require emergency surgery.

What are the symptoms of aneurysms?

Aneurysms may cause the following symptoms:

• Pain in the chest, abdomen, lower back, or groin.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Sudden, severe headaches.
• Visual disturbances.
• Easily felt pulses in arteries in the groin or back of the knee.
• Leg pain or foot sores.
• Lower leg sores.

It’s important to consult a specialist if you experience new or unusual symptoms.

However, not all aneurysms cause symptoms unless a life-threatening complication occurs.

What increases the risk of an aneurysm?

Risk factors for aneurysms include:

• Atherosclerosis.
• Gender: Being male.
• Age: Risk increases with age.
• Family history of aneurysms.
• High blood cholesterol or blood pressure.
• Smoking.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Infections or congenital conditions.
• Head trauma or pregnancy.
• Prior surgery.

Effective weight management and adopting healthy habits can reduce the risk of aneurysms.

How does my specialist diagnose an aneurysm?

Diagnosing an aneurysm involves:

• A discussion about your medical history and symptoms.
• A vital signs check and physical exam.
• Diagnostic testing, such as:
• CT Scan or MRI: T o provide detailed images of blood vessels.
• Echocardiogram: T o assess heart and aortic conditions.
• Angiogram: T o detect abnormalities in blood vessels.
• Ultrasound: T o monitor the size and growth of aneurysms.

How are aneurysms treated?

Treating aneurysms at T exas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists may include:

• Routine Monitoring: Using ultrasounds or imaging to observe aneurysm size and growth.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Quitting smoking, managing blood sugar, losing weight, and exercising regularly.
• Medications: T o control blood pressure or other underlying conditions.
• Surgery:
• Open Surgery: Repairs the aneurysm directly.
• Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): Uses a graft and stent to reinforce the vessel wall.