Aneurysms

What are aneurysms?

An aneurysm is the ballooning or bulging of a blood vessel wall that can eventually burst or rupture. A rupture causes bleeding inside the body and may become fatal. Aneurysms can develop in the blood vessels in your:

• Aorta
• Abdomen
• Chest
• Brain

Aneurysms might also appear in a blood vessel in your legs, neck, groin, or other peripheral areas. Aneurysms that break open require emergency surgery. They often appear in arteries rather than veins.

What are the symptoms of aneurysms?

Aneurysms can cause the following symptoms:

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

See a specialist at the first sign of new or unusual symptoms. However, it’s important to note that not all aneurysms cause symptoms unless a life-threatening complication occurs.

What increases the risk of an aneurysm?

Aneurysm risk factors include:

• Atherosclerosis (artery hardening)
• Being male
• Aging
• Family history of aneurysms
• High blood cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes 
• Infections
• Congenital conditions
• Head trauma
• Pregnancy 
• Surgery

Effective weight management and adopting other healthy habits may 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, physical exam, and diagnostic testing. Your provider may complete a CT scan, MRI, echocardiogram, angiogram, ultrasound, or other diagnostic tests to diagnose your condition and effectively treat it to avoid complications.

How are aneurysms treated?

Treating aneurysms at Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists may involve one or more of the following:

• Routine ultrasounds (watchful waiting)
• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Managing underlying medical conditions
• Surgery

Surgical procedures can repair an aneurysm using open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair with a graft and stent. Your provider uses innovative technology and procedures to ensure safe, highly effective, and long-lasting results. 

Your vascular specialist may also suggest lifestyle modifications, including not smoking, properly managing blood sugar, losing weight, altering your diet, and exercising regularly. 

Schedule an evaluation at Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists by phone or request one online today if you’re at risk of an aneurysm or suspect you or a loved one has one.