Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning. An aneurysm may occur in any blood vessel, but most often in an artery rather than a vein.

An aneurysm may be located in many areas of the body, such as blood vessels of the brain, the aorta (the largest artery in the body), the intestines, the kidney, the spleen and the vessels in the legs. The most common location of an aneurysm is the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body.

An aneurysm can be characterized by its location, shape and cause.

Causes of Aneurysms
An aneurysm may be caused by multiple factors but the exact cause is not fully known. Atherosclerosis (a hardening of the arteries) is thought to play an important role. Risk factors associated with atherosclerosis include:

  • Diabetes
  • Elevated fats in the blood
  • Family history
  • High blood pressure
  • Male
  • Older age
  • Smoker

Other specific causes of aneurysms are related to the location of the aneurysm.

Type of Aneurysm Causes
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Genetic disorders
  • Giant cell arteritis (a disease that causes inflammation of the temporal arteries and other arteries in the head and neck)
  • Infection
Cerebral aneurysm
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Congenital (present at birth)
  • Head trauma
  • High blood pressure
Common iliac artery aneurysm
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Infection
  • Pregnancy
  • Trauma after lumbar or hip surgery
Femoral and popliteal artery aneurysm
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Congenital disorders
  • Trauma

Symptoms of Aneurysms
Aneurysms may or may not have symptoms. Symptoms associated with aneurysms depend upon the location of the aneurysm in the body.

Type of Aneurysm Symptoms
Abdominal aortic aneurysm Constant pain in abdomen, chest, lower back or groin area
Cerebral aneurysm

Sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbance, loss of consciousness
Common iliac aneurysm

Lower abdominal, back and/or groin pain
Femoral and popliteal artery aneurysm Pulsation felt in the femoral artery (in the groin area) or popliteal artery (back of knee)

The symptoms of an aneurysm may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for more information.

Treatment for Aneurysms
Treatment options for an aneurysm may include:

  • Controlling or modifying risk factors — quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, losing weight and controlling dietary fat intake
  • Medication — to control elevated levels of fats in the blood and/or high blood pressure
  • Surgery — will depend on location and type of aneurysm

Find a San Diego Vascular Specialist
To find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego vascular specialist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

For More Heart and Vascular Information
To find general information about heart and vascular care, visit Cardiovascular Diseases in Adult Health or read the Heart and Cardiovascular News archive.