Know your medical terms: Aneurysm

As you wait patiently for the doctor to tell you and your loved ones about your illness, hoping against hope that everything is alright, the doctor speaks but you don’t understand a single word

By: Pavitra Sampath | | Updated: May 21, 2014 6:03 pm

As you wait patiently for the doctor to tell you and your loved ones about your illness, hoping against hope that everything is alright, the doctor speaks but you don’t understand a single word! Packed with medical mumbo-jumbo doctors usually speak a language that nobody but their own peers can understand. A patient is usually left absolutely blank after a consultation, and walks out with the blind belief that the doctor knows what he is talking about. We at www.thehealthsite.com are going to attempt to explain one term at a time, so that your next visit to the doctor is much smoother. Earlier we explained terms like ‘convalescence’, ‘prognosis’,‘benign’,‘malignant’ and ‘concussion’, this week are are going to talk about the word ‘aneurysm ’. Also Read - Everything you need to know about cerebral aneurysm

An aneurysm is an unusual widening or ballooning of the walls of an artery, which is generally caused due to the weakening of the walls of the artery. Also Read - New devices can cure aneurysm in India, says international doctors at ANVI

It is not known, why a person develops an aneurysm, but in some cases it is a congenital defect or due to persistent stress to that part of the artery wall. According to doctors, there are some common places that can develop an aneurysm, they are: Also Read - Uterine fibroids, polyps and cysts -- what is the difference?

The aorta: The major artery that leaves the heart
Circle of Willis: This is a major clump of arteries that lie at the base of the brain. They are very prone to developing aneurysms. This type of aneurysm is also known as a cerebral aneurysm. Although other arteries within the brain may develop aneurysms, the circle of Willis is one of the most common sites.
Popliteal artery: This artery is found behind the knee, and an aneurysm in this region is also known as a popliteal aneurysm.
Splenic artery: This is a major artery in the spleen. This type of aneurysm is also known as a splenic aneurysm. It is the most commonly seen in pregnant women. This type of aneurysm is caused spontaneously and cannot be linked to any congenital defect.

Your lifestyle could lead to an aneurysm as well. Researchers have found that habits like smoking and diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc can lead to the formation of aneurysms.

Symptoms of an aneurysm:

Usually most aneurysms do not show any symptoms, but if an artery closer to the skin does have one, you are likely to feel some throbbing accompanied by pain and swelling. If it ruptures, you might experience symptoms such as low blood pressure, pain, rapid heart rate and lightheadedness.

Complications:

The complications of an untreated aneurysm can be fatal. Since an artery in the body has ruptured, it leads to severe internal bleeding that can eventually kill a person, if treatment is not sought immediately.

Diagnosis and treatment:

In order to diagnose an aneurysm, your doctor will most likely prescribe tests such as a CT scan or Ultrasound of the area involved.

Depending on the location and extent to which the aneurysm has progressed, your doctor will suggest either one of the following treatment protocols:

Constant monitoring: Your doctor will monitor the growth of the aneurysm closely if it is small and can be managed with constant monitoring and medication.
Surgery: If the aneurysm is large, you will be advised to get surgery to treat condition. There are a number of types of surgical options your doctor might use. One of the most minimally invasive techniques is called endovascular embolization, a technique where the doctor will use a stent to support the wall of the artery and help keep it open.

Prevention:

In order to keep aneurysms at bay, you should ideally keep your hypertension in check, keep your blood pressure low and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Get some exercise and maintain a good diet.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

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Published : April 30, 2013 9:24 am | Updated:May 21, 2014 6:03 pm

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