An aneurysm is a bulge in the arterial wall of a blood vessel. The bulge can collect blood and grow larger until it is so thin and weak that it eventually bursts, causing potentially deadly internal bleeding. Aneurysms form where there are weak spots in your arteries.
Aneurysm Risk Factors
There are some factors that can increase your risk for developing aneurysms. Some are lifestyle-related, but others are out of your control. These include:
- Age: Your risk for aneurysms will increase as you get older. Most aneurysms occur in people who are 65 or older.
- High blood pressure: When your blood pressure is significantly higher than it should be, this causes more force to be applied to your blood vessels and arterial walls as your blood is pushed through. When you have abnormally high blood pressure, this can enlarge or weaken your blood vessels which increases your risk for developing aneurysms.
- High cholesterol: When you have high cholesterol, this leads the build-up of fatty deposits from high-fat foods. This can cause your arteries to be damaged by blockages and trigger your heart to pump blood harder than necessary in order to push past the fatty build-up. Because of the stress this puts on your arteries, your risk for aneurysms will be increased.
- Sex: Depending on the type of aneurysm, you may be more at risk because of your sex. For example, men are more likely to suffer from abdominal aortic aneurysms, while women are more likely to suffer from brain aneurysms.
- Family history: If you have a family history of a certain type of aneurysm, you will be at a higher risk for developing this type of aneurysm yourself.
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes or using other forms of tobacco causes damaging effects to the arteries that will increase your risk of aneurysms.
- Drug or alcohol abuse: Heavy alcohol consumption or the use of drugs such as cocaine can increase your risk for developing brain aneurysms.
- Head injury: Traumatic injuries to the head can increase your risk for developing brain aneurysms.
Aneurysm Prevention
The best way to prevent aneurysms from occurring is to minimize the factors that put you at a higher risk. While some of these are out of your control, such as age, sex, or family history, others are lifestyle choices that can easily be avoided, such as smoking, managing high blood pressure, and treating high cholesterol.
In order to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This includes eating a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your caffeine intake as well. When exercising, try to be as active as possible, but avoid straining during exercise, as sudden and forceful exertion can cause an increase in blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about the amounts and types of physical activity that are safe for you. Additionally, if your doctor prescribes any medications for your high cholesterol or high blood pressure, make sure you take your medications as directed.
