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Aneurysms
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery wall that can burst if it grows large, but early detection through imaging and timely treatment can prevent life-threatening complications.

Overview

An aneurysm is a bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. If an aneurysm grows large, it can burst and cause dangerous bleeding or even death.

Location and Impact

Most aneurysms occur in the aorta, the main artery that runs from the heart through the chest and abdomen. Aneurysms can also happen in arteries in the brain, heart, and other parts of the body. If an aneurysm in the brain bursts, it causes a stroke.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Aneurysms can develop and become large before causing any symptoms. Often, doctors can stop aneurysms from bursting if they find and treat them early. Aneurysms are identified using imaging tests and are often found by chance during tests done for other reasons.

The two main treatments for aneurysms are:

  • Medicines
  • Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common and sudden symptom of a ruptured brain aneurysm is a severe, "thunderclap" headache that reaches peak intensity within seconds. This is often described as the worst headache of your life. Other urgent signs include a stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, a decreased level of consciousness, or a seizure. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, call emergency services immediately, as rapid medical intervention is critical for survival and minimizing brain damage.
Risk factors include being male, being over age 65, having a family history of aneurysms, and having a history of smoking. High blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) also contribute to risk. Because aneurysms are often asymptomatic until they rupture, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time screening with an abdominal ultrasound for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. Individuals with a strong family history or other significant risk factors should discuss personalized screening options with their healthcare provider.
For abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), the general guideline for elective repair is when the aneurysm reaches 5.5 cm in diameter for men or 5.0 cm for women, as the risk of rupture increases significantly at these sizes. However, the decision is not based on size alone; doctors also consider the rate of growth (typically more than 0.5 cm in six months), the patient's overall health, and whether the aneurysm is causing symptoms. Smaller aneurysms are usually monitored with regular ultrasound imaging rather than treated immediately.
While lifestyle changes cannot shrink an aneurysm, they can help reduce the stress on the artery walls and lower the risk of rupture. The most critical step is quitting smoking, as tobacco use accelerates aneurysm growth and increases rupture risk. Additionally, managing high blood pressure through medication and a low-sodium diet is essential. Regular, moderate exercise is generally encouraged, but patients should avoid heavy weightlifting or straining activities that cause a sudden spike in blood pressure, and they should always consult their specialist before starting a new exercise regimen.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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