Causes and Risk Factors of Aneurysms
It is not fully understood why Aneurysms develop. Various causes and conditions can lead to Aneurysm formation, and certain Risk Factors can contribute and create an increased risk of developing an Aneurysm. It is likely that for any particular Aneurysm there is no one single cause. While there may be some difference in opinion among physicians and researchers over the role of each most would seem to agree with the following.
- High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
- a medical condition in which the force of the blood against the arterial walls is at an abnormally high level.
- Hereditary Predisposition
- Aneurysms can run in families. Some sources have reported that this may account for up to 20% of all Aneurysms.
- Arteriosclerosis
- a condition that occurs with aging in which plaque builds up on the arterial walls causing them to harden and weaken.
- Inherited or Acquired diseases
- some diseases, such as Marfan syndrome, Vasculitis, Syphilis, and Tuberculosis, among others have been linked to Aneurysm. See below for more information.
- Congenital
- resulting from inborn abnormality in the artery wall
- Traumatic injury, Wounds, and infections to blood vessels
- these have also been linked to the development of Aneurysm.
Risk Factors do not cause Aneurysms. They are variables that can increase the odds that you might acquire an Aneurysm. The following are generally accepted as the significant risk factors for Aneurysm development. Some factors are behaviors that we can control others are not.
- Smoking
- some sources have indicated that up to 75% of Aneurysm victims are smokers. Others that smokers have up to eight times more risk of developing an Aneurysm as a non-smoker.
- Family History
- persons with a family history of Aneurysm are at an increased risk of developing the condition themselves.
- Overweight
- persons who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of developing Aneurysms.
- Male gender
- males appease to have an increased risk of developing Aneurysm over females.
- Age
- as we age the risk of Aneurysm increases, particularly past the age of 40.
- Illegal Drugs
- use of illegal stimulate type drugs may increase the risk of Aneurysm, particularly cocaine and amphetamines.
Kawasaki disease is a little understood illness whose cause is unknown but may be related to an autoimmune disorder. Affecting the Mucus Membranes, Lymph Nodes, Blood Vessel walls, and the heart it can lead to the inflammation of blood vessels and arteries, leading to Aneurysm.
The disease was first discovered in Japan. It appears to be more common there, though there are significant numbers in the United States, where it is the second leading cause of heart disease in children.
Polycystic Kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the development of numerous, fluid filled cysts in the kidneys resulting in enlarged kidneys and reduced kidney functions, which can lead to kidney failure. It can also lead t problems in the liver, heart, brain, and blood vessels and has been associated with Aneurysm development.
Vasculitis is a condition in which blood vessels become inflamed. It can affect any of the body’s blood vessels. When inflamed, the vessels can narrow or close off and can, rarely, lead to aneurysm development.
Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that can affect the skeletal and, cardiovascular system, eyes and skin. It is caused by a defect in the Fibrillin-1 gene. The changes in elastic tissues of the cardiovascular system can lead to Aneurysms.
Syphilis is an infectious, sexually transmitted disease, caused by bacteria that has been linked to Aneurysm.
Nothing on this website should, in any way be considered medical advice. It is presented as general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of medical condition. I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical or health care professional. Nor am I an expert on Aneurysms. However, I am an expert on the experience of having suffered a ruptured Aneurysm and the subsequent treatment I received. This site should not be considered to be, nor is it intended to be, a definitive source of information regarding Aneurysms. I have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of any information presented here, but again, I am not a medical professional and my own interpretation of this information could be in error.