Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Aneurysm – Types & Causes

What Is an Aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a condition that affects the vascular system. It weakens some parts of the artery wall, making the artery stretch and swell. Over the long run, the artery wall may eventually break suddenly. This would lead to several dangerous health issues, including internal bleeding. An aneurysm with a bigger size may be more prone to rupture. Depending on the location of the aneurysm and affected artery, the severity can vary. It may also lead to some complications, such as kidney damage or heart attack. [1]

Causes of Aneurysm

The exact cause of an aneurysm is still unknown. However, scientists have found that several factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. For instance, damage tissue in the body’s arteries could contribute to this process. Fatty deposits and other blockages may harm the arteries. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump sufficient blood pass these blockages. This increased pressure and strain many cause damages in the arteries. Another possible cause is atherosclerotic disease. Those with this condition tend to have plaque accumulation in the arteries, which causes artery damage and prevents proper blood flow over time. [2]