Aneurysm
An aneurysm occurs when an artery wall weakens and bulges, with the risk of rupture. Reid Health offers the expertise needed to promptly diagnose and treat aneurysms.
The importance of early aneurysm detection
An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery wall that occurs when the wall weakens. Although your body can tolerate some aneurysms for years without any symptoms, they can become critical when they rupture, leading to severe health risks.
Aneurysms can be diagnosed early, allowing for timely treatment that can help prevent serious complications.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel expands or balloons. Anyone can develop an aneurysm, but certain factors increase the risk, including:
- Family history of aneurysms
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Pregnancy
- Recreational drug use
- Smoking
Types of aneurysms
The types of aneurysms are categorized based on location:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Affects the portion of the aorta that passes through the abdomen
- Cerebral aneurysm: Affects an artery in the brain
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Affects the portion of the aorta in the upper chest
why choose reid health
Your heart is in the right place
If you develop an aneurysm, you need the expertise of a trusted provider to guide your care. You’ll find that at Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center, where our providers offer personalized care to diagnose, treat, and manage aneurysms at convenient locations close to home.
Our heart specialists use special tests to find aneurysms early in people at risk. We also offer ongoing treatment for small aneurysms and emergency care for large aneurysms, those at risk of rupture, and ruptured aneurysms.
Symptoms of an aneurysm
You can have an aneurysm for years and not notice any symptoms. But when one bursts or ruptures, it can cause serious and even life-threatening symptoms.
Aneurysms might cause a variety of symptoms depending on their location:
- Abdominal, back, or chest pain
- Confusion
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin discoloration
- Vision changes
- Wheezing
heart & vascular care
A few minutes could save your life
Protecting your heart and vascular health is crucial. A vascular screening is a simple, non-invasive test that evaluates your blood flow and detects conditions like abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), common in older men, especially those who’ve smoked.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends men ages 65 to 75 get a one-time AAA screening. Don't wait — schedule your vascular screening today.
Aneurysm treatments available at Reid Health
If you have an aneurysm or suspect you do, you can receive advanced care at Reid Health, whether it’s diagnosed during an imaging scan or you’re experiencing symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet and being physically active, might also be recommended to lower the risk of developing another aneurysm and improve overall health.
Treatment for an aneurysm might include:
- Endovascular aneurysm repair
- Medications such as blood thinners or cholesterol- or blood pressure-lowering drugs
- Regular monitoring
- Surgery to reinforce the artery wall