An aneurysm is a condition caused by the weakening of the wall of an artery, which can dilate or rupture, causing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, mental confusion and bleeding, in more serious cases.
Aneurysms are more common in elderly people, smokers and people with a family history of this disease. Additionally, some conditions that increase the risk of aneurysm are atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Therefore, if an aneurysm is suspected, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist, general practitioner or angiologist, to confirm the diagnosis and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may involve monitoring, lifestyle changes and even surgery.
Aneurysm symptoms
The main symptoms of aneurysm are:
- Sensation of belly pulsing;
- Pain in the head, chest, stomach or back;
- Fatigue
- Cough;
- Double or blurred vision;
- Hoarseness.
Generally, small aneurysms cause no or few symptoms, taking months or years to be discovered. However, aneurysms can increase in size over time, causing symptoms and increasing the risk of complications such as bleeding or respiratory infections. Learn more about aneurysm symptoms.
The presence of coughing up blood, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, mental confusion, pale skin and fainting may indicate complications of the aneurysm, and it is recommended to seek emergency medical attention, as in extreme cases the rupture of the aneurysm can cause internal bleeding and high risk of death.
Difference between aneurysm and stroke
Stroke is a condition in which an obstruction or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain interrupts or reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain.
Read too: Stroke: what it is, symptoms, causes, types, treatment and sequelae
An aneurysm is caused by a weakening of the wall of an artery, which leads to its dilation and the possibility of rupture.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of an aneurysm is made by a cardiologist, general practitioner or angiologist, through evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented, and the person’s and family health history.
If you want to confirm the risk of aneurysm, make an appointment with the cardiologist in the region closest to you:
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor also requests imaging tests, such as echocardiography, angiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound, which are capable of identifying dilation in the vessel.
Types of aneurysm
According to its location, the aneurysm can be classified into several types, the main ones being:
1. Aneurisma cerebral
Brain aneurysm occurs when an aneurysm forms in arteries in the brain. Although it usually does not cause symptoms, when the aneurysm ruptures, it can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
The main symptoms that may occur in a brain aneurysm are severe headache, nausea and vomiting, stiffness or pain in the neck, blurred or double vision, drowsiness and, in some cases, seizures.
Read too: Brain aneurysm: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
2. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the aneurysm appears in the abdominal portion of the aorta artery and, when it is large, can cause pain and a sensation of pulsation in the belly, severe pain in the back, in the gluteal region, groin and legs, vomiting, and increased heart rate.
Furthermore, when it ruptures, it can also cause intense bleeding, causing a drop in pressure and hemorrhagic shock, and putting the person’s life at risk. Check out the main symptoms of aortic aneurysms.
3. Pulmonary artery aneurysm
A pulmonary artery aneurysm occurs when an aneurysm develops in the pulmonary trunk, one of the pulmonary arteries or other arteries that supply blood to the lungs, which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath or coughing.
In addition, other symptoms such as fever and chills may also appear when the aneurysm is caused by infections.
4. Thoracic aortic aneurysm
When the aneurysm occurs in the thoracic portion of the aorta artery, it is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
This type of aneurysm generally does not cause symptoms, however, the aneurysm can become complicated and lead to a process called dissection, which can cause intense pain in the chest or back accompanied by low pressure and simulate a heart attack.
Possible causes
Aneurysms are usually caused by a weakness in the vessel wall, and are more common in elderly people, smokers and people with a family history of aneurysms.
Furthermore, situations such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, tumors, high cholesterol, trauma and infections, such as syphilis and tuberculosis, also increase the risk of developing an aneurysm.
How the treatment is carried out
Aneurysm treatment varies depending on the location, size and whether or not there are ruptures, and can only be done with medical supervision, the use of medication or surgery.
1. Medical follow-up
Medical monitoring is carried out through routine consultations and examinations, such as MRI and ultrasound, and is generally recommended when there is no rupture of the artery.
2. Medications
In cases of a complication of a brain aneurysm, treatment is usually carried out in an intensive care unit and includes the administration of medications such as nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker that prevents cerebral ischemia.
The use of beta-blocker medications, such as bisoprolol or metoprolol, may be indicated for abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, as they help reduce blood pressure and contraction of the arteries.
For people with small aortic aneurysms, the doctor may recommend the use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications to balance high blood pressure, lipid profile and atherosclerosis, slowing the expansion of the aorta and reducing the risk of complications.
3. Surgery
Surgery may be indicated in cases of aneurysm complications, such as bleeding or rupture of the artery, and may include procedures such as surgical clipping, embolization, endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta, endovascular coiling and open surgery.
Is an aneurysm curable?
An aneurysm can be cured mainly when surgery is performed to remove it. However, when the risk of bleeding is low, the aneurysm is controlled only by monitoring and treating other existing diseases.
