A sudden severe headache or abrupt, intense chest, back, or abdominal pain may have causes other than an aneurysm, but some of those causes are equally urgent.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Developing an Aneurysm?
Aneurysms can affect people of different ages and backgrounds. Risk factors vary according to the type of aneurysm.
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure places additional stress on artery walls. Over time, it can contribute to vascular damage and increase the risk of certain aneurysms and their complications.
Keeping blood pressure within a healthy range is an important part of protecting cardiovascular health.
2. Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysms and is also associated with the development and rupture of brain aneurysms.
Tobacco smoke damages blood vessels and contributes to inflammation and other changes that affect the vascular system.
Quitting smoking can improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce several important health risks.
3. Family history
Aneurysms may occur more frequently in some families.
Having a close relative with a brain aneurysm, aortic aneurysm, or aortic dissection may increase personal risk. Some inherited conditions can also weaken blood vessel walls.
People with a strong family history should discuss their risk with a healthcare professional, who can determine whether screening or specialist assessment is appropriate.
4. Increasing age
The risk of certain aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms, increases with age.
However, younger adults can also develop aneurysms, especially when genetic conditions, inherited connective tissue disorders, or other risk factors are present.
Age alone cannot determine whether a person has an aneurysm.
5. Inherited conditions
Some genetic conditions can affect the strength and structure of connective tissue and blood vessel walls.
Examples include Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Polycystic kidney disease is also associated with an increased risk of brain aneurysms.
People with these conditions may need individualized monitoring based on their medical and family history.
6. Other cardiovascular risk factors
High cholesterol and atherosclerosis, a condition involving plaque buildup in artery walls, are relevant risk factors for aortic disease.
Certain infections, previous vascular injuries, and other medical conditions may also contribute to aneurysm development in specific circumstances.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean an aneurysm will definitely develop. Likewise, people without obvious risk factors can still be affected.
Can an Aneurysm Be Prevented?
Not all aneurysms can be prevented, particularly those associated with inherited conditions. Nevertheless, several steps can help protect blood vessel health and reduce certain risks.
Keep blood pressure under control
Have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors.
If you have been prescribed blood pressure medication, take it as directed and discuss any side effects or concerns with your clinician. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, seek support to quit. Counseling, structured cessation programs, and appropriate medications can improve the likelihood of success.
Avoiding tobacco is one of the most important steps for reducing the risk of several vascular diseases.
Maintain a heart-healthy diet
Choose a varied diet that includes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, and suitable sources of protein.
Limit excessive salt intake, particularly if you have high blood pressure. Reduce foods high in saturated fat where appropriate, and follow individualized dietary advice if you have other medical conditions.
No particular food or supplement has been proven to prevent every type of aneurysm.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health and helps with blood pressure management.
Most adults can benefit from consistent, moderate activity, but people who have already been diagnosed with an aneurysm should ask their healthcare team which activities are safe. Depending on the aneurysm's location and size, clinicians may advise avoiding certain types of strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
Manage cholesterol and other health conditions
Work with a healthcare professional to manage high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions that may affect vascular health.
Routine medical visits can help identify and address these risk factors before they lead to complications.
Can an Aneurysm Be Detected Before Symptoms Appear?
Yes. Some aneurysms can be identified through medical imaging before they cause symptoms.
The appropriate test depends on the suspected location and the person's individual risk.
Brain aneurysm testing
Doctors may use CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or other investigations to examine blood vessels in and around the brain.
Testing may be appropriate when symptoms suggest a vascular problem or when a person has a significant family history or certain inherited conditions.
Routine brain scans are not necessary for every healthy person. A clinician can assess whether screening is justified.