Everyday life

What is an aneurysm – understanding vascular dilatation

An aneurysm is a pathological dilation of an artery. This localized bulging of the vessel can be life-threatening. An aortic aneurysm is defined as an aortic aneurysm with a diameter of 3 cm or more.

Aneurysms occur most frequently in the abdominal aorta. This is where 75 percent of cases are found. In men over the age of 65, 4 to 8 percent are affected.

The rate is lower for women in the same age group. It is 0.5 to 1.5 percent. However, a rupture of the vasodilatation occurs more frequently in women.

The risk of an aneurysm increases with its size. From 5.5 cm in men and 4.5 cm in women, it is considered critical. A rupture leads to death in 80 percent of cases.

Aneurysms can also occur in other vessels. Sometimes the pelvic vessels or the popliteal artery are affected.

Important findings

  • Aneurysms are pathological dilatations of arteries
  • 75% of aneurysms occur in the abdominal aorta
  • Men over 65 are more frequently affected than women
  • The risk increases with the size of the aneurysm
  • An aneurysm rupture has a high mortality rate

What is an aneurysm: definition and medical basics

An an eurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel. It is often caused by a weakened vessel wall. Arteries in the abdomen, chest, heart and brain are frequently affected.

Development and manifestations

Aneurysms usually develop over years. Factors such as arteriosclerosis or genes weaken the vessel wall. High blood pressure, lipometabolic disorders and smoking increase the risk.

Many sufferers have several aneurysms at the same time. The vascular dilatations can occur in different parts of the body.

Common localizations in the body

The abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common form. It occurs in the main artery in the abdomen. Cerebral artery aneurysms are particularly dangerous.

They can lead to serious consequences such as strokes. Early detection and treatment are therefore very important.

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Anatomical features of vasodilatation

The vessel wall structure is decisive for aneurysms. Deposits and other influences weaken the wall. It cannot withstand the blood pressure.

This leads to the typical bulge. The vascular dilatation can take on different shapes and sizes.

Aneurysm type Main localization Special risks
Abdominal aortic aneurysm Abdominal area Internal bleeding
Cerebral aneurysm Brain aneurysm Stroke
Thoracic aneurysm Chest area Shortness of breath, chest pain

Main causes and triggers for aneurysms

Aneurysms occur for various reasons. We examine the main causes of these dangerous vascular dilatations. Find out more about the most important triggers.

Genetic predispositions and connective tissue disorders

Some people carry an increased risk of aneurysm in their genes. They occur more frequently in some families. A family history increases the likelihood of developing the disease.

Connective tissue disorders also play a role. They weaken the vessel walls and make them more susceptible to aneurysms.

Lifestyle-related influences

Smoking is a major risk factor. It promotes arteriosclerosis and therefore also aneurysms. High blood pressure damages the vessel walls and promotes the development of aneurysms.

A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk. Make sure you eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Aneurysm risk factors

Age-related developments

The risk of aneurysm increases with age. The vascular system loses elasticity. Older people are therefore affected more frequently.

Regular check-ups are important from a certain age. They help to detect and treat aneurysms at an early stage.

Risk factor Effect of
Smoking Increases the risk of arteriosclerosis and aneurysms
High blood pressure Damages vessel walls, promotes aneurysm formation
Connective tissue disorders Weaken vessel walls, promote aneurysms
Age Reduces the elasticity of blood vessels, increases the risk of aneurysms

Disease progression and warning signs

Aneurysms often develop unnoticed over years. A vessel is aneurysmal if its diameter is 1.5 times larger than normal. Many aneurysms remain asymptomatic for a long time.

Around 30% are discovered by chance during routine examinations. This underlines the importance of regular check-ups.

Symptoms of an aneurysm

An aortic rupture or dissection is life-threatening. In the event of a rupture, 70% of those affected experience sudden, severe abdominal or back pain. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

The risk of aneurysm increases with age. Men over 65 are particularly at risk, especially for abdominal aortic aneurysms. From a diameter of 5.5 cm in men and 5.0 cm in women, the probability of rupture increases significantly.

Regular check-ups are important. Doctors recommend annual ultrasound examinations for small enlargements. Relatives of those affected should also be examined due to possible genetic factors.

Diagnostic procedures and early detection

An accurate aneurysm diagnosis is crucial for treatment. Doctors use various methods for early detection. These help to detect and observe vascular dilatations in good time.

Ultrasound examinations

Ultrasound is the first choice for diagnosing aneurysms. The painless examination takes about 15 minutes. Health insurance companies cover the costs for men aged 65 and over.

Self-paying patients have to expect to pay around 40 euros. The method provides important insights into the condition of the blood vessels.

Imaging procedures

CT and MRI are used when ultrasound is not sufficient. They provide detailed images of the vessels. These show exactly where the aneurysm is located and how large it is.

Screening programs

Early detection can save lives. Screening programs are particularly aimed at high-risk groups. Men over 65 should be screened regularly.

Every year, around 40 out of 100,000 people develop an aortic aneurysm. Men are affected five times more often than women.

Examination method Duration Cost
Ultrasound 15 minutes Free of charge (from 65 years)
CT/MRI 30-60 minutes After referral by a doctor

Further examinations are necessary if the findings are abnormal. Surgery is recommended if the aneurysm is 5.5 to 6 centimetres in size. Regular check-ups are important, as the aortic diameter can increase significantly up to 70.

Modern treatment methods

The treatment of aneurysms has improved considerably. Doctors use various methods to treat vascular dilatations effectively. Modern procedures offer new options for patients.

Endovascular interventions

Endovascular procedures often rely on stent grafts. This minimally invasive method treats the aneurysm from the inside. A catheter is used to insert the stent graft, which supports the dilated vessel wall.

Classic surgical procedures

Sometimes an operation with a vascular prosthesis is necessary. In this case, an artificial prosthesis replaces the diseased part of the vessel. This method is used for complex aneurysms.

Preventive measures

Preventive measures complement the direct treatment methods. These include blood pressure control, a healthy diet and regular exercise. These steps can slow down the progression of an aneurysm.

Treatment method Advantages Disadvantages
Endovascular(stent graft) Minimally invasive, short recovery time Not suitable for all aneurysms
Surgical(vascular prosthesis) Suitable for complex cases Longer recovery time, higher surgical risk
Preventive measures Non-invasive, low risk Slow effect, no guarantee

The choice of treatment depends on many factors. Doctors decide individually on the best procedure for the patient. Cerebral aneurysms cause 85% of subarachnoid hemorrhages.

Modern clinics offer all endovascular and microsurgical procedures. This ensures optimal care for patients.

Conclusion

Aneurysms are a serious health risk. Splenic artery aneurysms have a rupture risk of 10%, with hepatic artery aneurysms the risk is as high as 80%. These figures show how important prevention and regular check-ups are.

Early detection can save lives. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, with a rupture risk of almost 100%. Modern diagnostics and screening programs significantly improve detection and treatment options.

Follow-up care is crucial. In 10% of patients, renal artery aneurysms occur on both sides. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk.

About 32% of true visceral artery aneurysms are caused by arteriosclerosis. Targeted prevention and careful aftercare enable a high quality of life despite diagnosis.

FAQ

What exactly is an aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a pathological dilation of an artery. This bulging of the vessel is caused by a weakening of the vessel wall. It can take on different shapes and sizes.

Where in the body can aneurysms occur?

Aneurysms can occur in various areas of the body. The most common locations are the abdominal aorta, the cerebral arteries and the thoracic aorta. Less frequently, they also occur in other arteries.

What are the causes of an aneurysm?

The main causes of aneurysms are manifold. These include genetic predispositions, connective tissue diseases and high blood pressure. Smoking and arteriosclerosis also play a role.The risk increases with age.

What symptoms can indicate an aneurysm?

Many aneurysms do not cause any symptoms for a long time. Possible symptoms are pain, a pulsating lump or a feeling of pressure. In the event of a rupture, sudden, severe pain and circulatory problems may occur.Take these warning signs seriously and consult a doctor immediately.

How is an aneurysm diagnosed?

An aneurysm is diagnosed using imaging techniques. These include ultrasound, computer tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). There are special screening programs for early detection for certain risk groups.

What treatment options are there for aneurysms?

The treatment depends on the size, location and individual risk. Possible methods include endovascular interventions with stent grafts or surgical procedures with vascular prostheses. Sometimes conservative treatment with regular check-ups is also indicated.

Can aneurysms be prevented?

Genetic factors cannot be influenced. However, the risk can be reduced through a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, exercise and avoiding nicotine. Controlling blood pressure is also important.Regular check-ups are particularly recommended for at-risk groups.

How dangerous is an aneurysm?

The danger depends on the size and location. The main risk is a rupture or dissection. Both can have life-threatening consequences. Early detection and treatment is therefore crucial.

What does follow-up care look like after aneurysm treatment?

Regular check-ups are important after treatment. These include imaging procedures to check the success of the treatment. New aneurysms can thus be detected at an early stage. A healthy lifestyle and the treatment of risk factors remain important.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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