What Is an Aneurysm? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

An aneurysm is a condition in which the wall of an artery gradually weakens and begins to bulge outward. In its early stages, an aneurysm often causes no noticeable symptoms. However, if it continues to enlarge without being diagnosed or treated, it may rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding—a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Understanding the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for aneurysms is essential for early detection and preventing serious complications.

Key Takeaways

• An aneurysm develops when a weakened artery wall enlarges or bulges, increasing the risk of rupture and life-threatening bleeding.
• Many people with an aneurysm experience no symptoms until the condition becomes severe, making screening important for those at increased risk.
• Treatment depends on the size, location, and risk of rupture and may include regular monitoring, endovascular stent graft repair, or open surgical repair.

Table of Contents

What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?

What Are the Risk Factors for an Aneurysm?

What Are the Symptoms of an Aneurysm?

An Aneurysm Should Never Be Ignored—It Can Be Life-Threatening

How Is an Aneurysm Diagnosed?

How Is an Aortic Aneurysm Treated?

How Can You Prevent an Aortic Aneurysm?

Aortic Aneurysm: A Life-Threatening Condition That Requires Early Detection

Frequently Asked Questions About Aortic Aneurysms

What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm is a condition in which the wall of the aorta gradually weakens and loses its elasticity, causing the artery to enlarge or bulge abnormally. The aorta is the body's largest artery, responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

When an aneurysm develops in the abdominal portion of the aorta, it is called an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), the most common type of aortic aneurysm. When it occurs in the chest, it is known as a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA).

Aneurysms can also occur in the arteries of the brain, a condition known as a cerebral aneurysm. If the weakened artery wall ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding and requires immediate emergency treatment.

What Are the Risk Factors for an Aneurysm? 

Several factors can increase the risk of developing an aneurysm, including lifestyle habits, underlying medical conditions, and genetic disorders.

• Sex and family history: Men are approximately four to six times more likely than women to develop an aortic aneurysm. Having a first-degree relative with an aneurysm also significantly increases the risk.
• Older age: As people age, the collagen and elastin in artery walls naturally deteriorate, making blood vessels less flexible and more vulnerable to weakening.
• Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco smoke damage collagen and elastin in the artery walls and accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.
• High blood pressure (Hypertension): Persistent elevated blood pressure places continuous stress on artery walls, causing them to weaken over time.
• High cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia): The buildup of fatty plaques inside the arteries promotes inflammation and weakens the arterial wall.
• Heart disease: Certain heart conditions, including aortic valve disease, may increase the risk of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
• Inherited connective tissue disorders: Conditions such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can weaken the connective tissues of the blood vessels, making aneurysms more likely.

What Are the Symptoms of an Aneurysm?

The symptoms of an aneurysm depend on its location and size. Many people experience no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the aneurysm enlarges or begins to compress nearby structures, symptoms may develop, including:

• Chest pain or chest tightness
• Unexplained back, lower back, or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath or fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or coughing up blood
• A pulsating lump in the abdomen
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Weakness of the arms or legs, slurred speech, or other neurological symptoms if the aneurysm affects the brain
• A sudden, severe headache, which may indicate a ruptured cerebral aneurysm

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience sudden severe chest pain, intense abdominal or back pain, nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness. These symptoms may indicate a ruptured aneurysm, a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

An Aneurysm Should Never Be Ignored—It Can Be Life-Threatening 

In its early stages, an aneurysm often causes no noticeable symptoms, which means many people are unaware they have the condition until the artery enlarges significantly or ruptures. A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening medical emergency that can cause severe internal bleeding, leading to a sudden loss of blood supply to vital organs and requiring immediate treatment.

An aneurysm can also increase the risk of blood clot formation along the weakened artery wall. If a clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, it can block blood flow to other organs and cause serious complications, including:
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), which can lead to a heart attack
Ischemic stroke, caused by a blocked artery supplying the brain
Other forms of stroke and embolic events affecting vital organs
Because aneurysms may remain silent until serious complications occur, regular health screenings and early diagnosis are essential, particularly for individuals with known risk factors.

How Is an Aneurysm Diagnosed? 

Since many aneurysms do not cause symptoms, they are often detected during routine health screenings or incidentally while imaging is performed for another medical condition. If an aneurysm is suspected, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests: 

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and radiation-free imaging test commonly used to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in individuals at increased risk. It is often the first-line screening tool because of its accuracy and accessibility. 
• CT Scan / CTA: A CT scan or CT angiography (CTA) provides detailed images of the blood vessels, allowing doctors to evaluate the aneurysm's size, shape, and exact location. This information is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment strategy. 
• MRI / MRA: MRI and MR angiography (MRA) are particularly useful for evaluating blood vessels in the brain and other parts of the body. These imaging techniques provide highly detailed images without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. 
• Angiography: Angiography is a specialized imaging procedure performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. A contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels to provide detailed visualization of the vascular system. This test helps specialists assess the severity of the aneurysm and plan the most appropriate treatment, including minimally invasive endovascular procedures when indicated.

How Is an Aortic Aneurysm Treated? 

Treatment for an aortic aneurysm depends on the size, location, and rate of growth of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm is small (generally less than 5 cm in diameter for abdominal aortic aneurysms), doctors may recommend close monitoring along with aggressive management of risk factors, including medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol. Regular imaging studies are also scheduled, typically once a year, to monitor changes in the size of the aneurysm.

If the aneurysm is large or growing rapidly, surgical treatment may be necessary. There are two main treatment options:

Open Surgery: This procedure involves removing the weakened section of the aorta and replacing it with a synthetic graft. It provides durable long-term results. Patients with underlying heart conditions may require additional preoperative evaluation, and depending on their condition, procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or coronary angioplasty may also be considered.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) with a Stent Graft: This minimally invasive procedure involves making a small incision in the groin and inserting a catheter to place a stent graft inside the affected artery. The graft redirects blood flow away from the weakened portion of the vessel, reducing pressure on the aneurysm. Compared with open surgery, EVAR typically results in less trauma, a faster recovery, and is often recommended for patients at high risk for major surgery.

How Can You Prevent an Aortic Aneurysm? 

Although an aortic aneurysm cannot always be prevented, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk.

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.
• Control your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• Exercise regularly at an appropriate intensity.
• Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• regular health checkups, including abdominal ultrasound, chest X-ray, and assessments of liver, kidney, and heart function when recommended by your doctor.

Aortic Aneurysm: A Life-Threatening Condition That Requires Early Detection 

An aortic aneurysm occurs when the wall of the artery becomes weakened and enlarges abnormally. Because it often causes no symptoms in its early stages, many people are unaware they have the condition until the aneurysm ruptures. A ruptured aneurysm is a life-threatening medical emergency with a high risk of death, making early diagnosis and timely treatment essential.

At Vibhavadi Hospital, our team of cardiovascular specialists, vascular surgeons, and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals provides comprehensive care for patients with aortic aneurysms. Using advanced diagnostic technologies—including ultrasound, CT scans, endovascular procedures, and complex vascular surgery—we deliver individualized treatment at every stage of the disease to help achieve the best possible outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Aortic Aneurysms 

If I don't have any symptoms, how do I know if I should get screened

People who are 65 years of age or older, have a history of smoking, high blood pressure, or a family history of aortic aneurysms should consider undergoing screening even if they do not have any symptoms. Early detection can help identify an aneurysm before it becomes life-threatening and allows for timely treatment when necessary. 

Are aortic aneurysms hereditary? 

Yes. In some cases, aortic aneurysms are associated with genetic factors. The risk is higher for individuals with a family history of aortic aneurysms or inherited connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which can weaken the walls of the blood vessels and increase the likelihood of developing an aneurysm.