Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a medical condition where a weakness in arterial walls causes an undue localized swelling of an artery. Aneurysms may stay asymptomatic or rupture, causing severe troubles and can even be fatal.
Even though most aneurysms are not detected and do not cause serious issues, studies reveal that Aortic aneurysms are a reason for over 25000 fatalities in the US each year, as per facts intimated to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDCP). About 30000 brain aneurysms rupture are reported every year, causing death in around 40% of cases, as per the statistics by the National Institute of Health, United States. (MacGill)
The prime causes of aneurysms are not entirely known, even though some threat factors are revealed based on research. Smoking is a proven factor that increases the chance of developing an aneurysm. It also raises the chances for an Aneurysm to burst. Consumption of alcohol and recreational drug usage increases the risk factor. Aneurysms are commonly seen in males and in aged people, particularly in people with hypertension and arteriosclerosis. (MacGill)
Rapidly growing abdominal aneurysms are often coupled with symptoms. Some patients report pain in the abdomen or in the lower back area, often detailed as a pulsating pain in the abdomen area. However, thoracic aneurysms are often accompanied by symptoms of pain in the nearby nerve tissues and blood vessels. In case an aneurysm develops compressing either the laryngeal nerve or the vagus nerve, it might show cause pain in the chest or the back. Other related symptoms like a cough, swallowing problems, and wheezing may also develop. A cerebral aneurysm can show symptoms of a severe headache and stroke. It can be identified by a CT scan, angiography, and lumbar puncture method. (Wedro)
Since most aneurysms are asymptomatic, early screening helps to identify the problem. Once an aneurysm is identified, subsequent monitoring and treatment can be done. In the case of an aortic aneurysm, both abdominal and thoracic, immediate treatment is not required. However, frequent monitoring of the patient is suggested. In case the aneurysm ruptures an emergency surgery is the only option. Death can result if a ruptured aneurysm is not healed immediately through a surgical process. In the case of a cerebral aneurysm, neurosurgery is required to fix a clip around the swollen artery wall. (Wedro)
In 1991, the age-related death rate among males in Canada aged 55 and above was 31.9 casualties per 100000 people. On an average, 239028 cases of Aneurysms were reported in Canada as per the latest statistics and the victims are mostly men above 50 years. The death rate also increases with increasing age. (right diagnosis)
A healthy lifestyle can minimize the risk chance of aneurysms. An aneurysm can be prevented to an extent by quitting smoking habit, taking a healthy diet, limiting the consumption of caffeine, by doing regular exercise and through avoiding unnecessary stress. (right diagnosis)
Works Cited
MacGill, Markus. "Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 18 Mar. 2016. Web. 01 Apr. 2016. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156993.php>.
Wedro, Benjamin, MD, FACEP, FAAEM. "Brain (Cerebral) Aneurysm: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment." MedicineNet. Web. 01 Apr. 2016. <http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_aneurysm/article.htm>.
"Statistics by Country for Aneurysm." - RightDiagnosis.com. Web. 01 Apr. 2016. <http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/a/aneurysm/stats-country.htm>.
