citizensmemorial.com 9 A closer look at aneurysms Like hoses under pressure, arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. If a weak spot forms in any of those arteries, it can balloon out, a serious condition called an aneurysm. Aneurysms can form in any artery, but they often form in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm), brain (cerebral aneurysm) and chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm). Sometimes the cause of an aneurysm may be unknown. But factors like high blood pressure, smoking, a family history of aneurysms and hardening of the arteries can all increase your risk. “The best time to find an aneurysm is before it causes a problem,” says David J. Lemons, D.O., FSCAI, a board certified interventional cardiologist with the CMH Heart Institute. “Early detection gives us the chance to monitor it or treat it before it becomes a lifethreatening emergency.” It can be tricky to catch an aneurysm, since many cause no symptoms until they expand, leak or rupture. Luckily, one common type of aneurysm, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, can be found with an ultrasound screening test. Men are most at risk for this type of aneurysm. So if you’re a man, age 65 to 75, who has ever smoked, ask your doctor about this test. “Many men who qualify for screening feel perfectly healthy, which is exactly why the test is so important,” Dr. Lemons says. “It can uncover a problem that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late.” Know the signs According to the American Heart Association, an aneurysm that grows quickly or ruptures might cause the following symptoms, depending on the aneurysm’s location and size: ● Severe headache. ● Pain in the abdomen, chest or back. ● A pulsating mass in the belly, like a heartbeat. ● Dizziness. ● Vision changes. ● Confusion. A ruptured aneurysm—which can cause severe back or belly pain—is an emergency. If you notice these symptoms, call 911. Treatment If you have an unruptured aneurysm, your doctor may monitor it with imaging tests and prescribe medications to reduce stress on the artery. Some aneurysms may need surgery or catheter-based procedures to prevent them from rupturing. Your doctor can tell you more about your risk of an aneurysm. Sources: American Heart Association; Merck Manuals Online Medical Library Know your risk. Protect your health. Aneurysms often develop without warning. If you have concerns about your heart or vascular health, talk with your doctor or schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at the CMH Heart Institute Clinic. Call 417-328-6040.
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