An aneurysm is a weak spot that develops on the wall of a blood vessel and can result in an abnormal bulge. This bulge may fill up with blood and rupture, which can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. The exact cause of an aneurysm will depend on the type and location of the aneurysm. Different types of aneurysms can be caused by different things, and your risk factors will vary for different types of aneurysms as well.
Aneurysm Causes
The exact cause of aneurysms is unclear. However, there are certain things that are proven to contribute to the condition. These include:
- Damaged tissue in the arteries: If your arteries become damaged by blockages as a result of eating a lot of high-fat foods, this can force your heart to pump blood harder than necessary in order to push past the damaged or blocked areas in the arteries. In some cases, the additional stress can lead to an aneurysm.
- Cholesterol buildup in your arteries: Atherosclerotic disease is a condition that produces plaque in your arteries. Plaque is a hard substances that damages the arteries and prevents blood from flowing freely. Atherosclerosis can result from cholesterol buildup in your arteries and may lead to an aneurysm.
- High blood pressure: If the pressure of your blood as it travels through your blood vessels increases above a normal rate for an extended period of time, this can lead to enlarged or weakened blood vessels.
- Tobacco use: Since it damages your arteries, some types of aneurysms are associated with cigarette smoking or other forms of tobacco. Additionally, smoking contributes to the build-up of fatty plaques in your arteries that can lead to high blood pressure.
Aneurysm Risk Factors
Risk factors will vary depending on which type of aneurysm is being discussed. The two most common types of aneurysms are brain and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Some of the risk factors are similar, but some are vastly different for these two different types of aneurysm. The basic risk factors for aneurysms include:
- Age: As you get older, your risk for aneurysms will increase.
- Tobacco use: Using tobacco greatly contributes to your risk for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm, but it can also put at risk for developing other types of aneurysms as well.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure increases your risk for developing an aneurysm.
- Hardening of the arteries: The buildup of fat and other substances will damage the lining of your blood vessels and increase your risk for developing an aneurysm.
- Family history: If you have a family history of a certain type of aneurysm, you will be at a higher risk for developing the same type of aneurysm yourself.
Brain aneurysms are the most common form, and there are unique factors that can contribute to your risk, such as a previous head injury, a history of heavy alcohol or drug abuse, certain blood infections, and inherited diseases or conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, and cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Additionally, women are at a naturally higher risk for developing brain aneurysms than men. On the other hand, men are more likely to develop abdominal aortic aneurysms than women.
