An aneurysm is a balloon or bulge at one area of the artery wall. When the artery wall weakens at a spot along the course of the vessel, it is prone to ballooning due to blood collecting within the sac-like pouch. This ballooning continues to add stress to the already compromised vessel wall and can rupture. This can be fatal.
A aneurysm can affect any artery but tends to occur more frequently in the aorta or cerebral artery. Aneurysms do not always appear like a balloon extending from the wall. At times it may appear like a bulge or widening of the artery at the affected area.
Causes of an Aneurysm
An aneurysm is caused by weakening of the artery wall which may be a result of the following contributing factors or disorders.
- Genetic – example Marfan syndrome
- Congenital (since birth) weakening of the wall
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis
- Trauma – injury to the vessel wall
- Family history
- Previous aneurysm
- Smoking
- Infection – vasculitis
- Pharmaceutical or narcotic drug use
Article reviewed by Dr. Greg. Last updated on February 23, 2010
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