What is the medical term for an outward bulge caused by a weakened blood vessel wall?

What is the medical term for an outward bulge caused by a weakened blood vessel wall?

What is the medical term for an outward bulge caused by a weakened blood vessel wall?

An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall, usually where it branches. As blood passes through the weakened blood vessel, the blood pressure causes a small area to bulge outwards like a balloon.

What is a weakened artery wall called?

An aneurysm is a bulging, weak area of an artery wall and can occur anywhere in the body. The most common symptom is pain in the area of the aneurysm. An aneurysm is repaired once it reaches a certain size. This is to prevent rupture of the blood vessel.

Is a localized weakness in a blood vessel wall that bulges outward?

An aneurysm is an outward bulging, likened to a bubble or balloon, caused by a localized, abnormal, weak spot on a blood vessel wall. Aneurysms may be a result of a hereditary condition or an acquired disease. Aneurysms can also be a nidus (starting point) for clot formation (thrombosis) and embolization.

What causes weak spots in arteries?

Types of Vascular Disease Vascular disease can cause weak spots in your blood vessels, or make them become narrow or blocked. Common types of vascular disease include: Abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bulge or weak spot in the main artery in your torso that brings blood from your heart into your abdomen.

What will a weakened area of a blood vessel lead to?

Heart attack: A condition caused by occlusion of one or more of the coronary arteries. A localized dilatation of an artery formed at a weak point in the vessel wall. This weakened area balloons out with each pulsation of the artery.

What is the weakened area of a blood vessel?

aneurysm – a thin, weakened area in a blood vessel or area of the heart.

What happens if an aneurysm is left untreated?

If left untreated, increased pressure inside the head can cause coma or death. Vasospasm. This occurs frequently after subarachnoid hemorrhage when the bleeding causes the arteries in the brain to contract and limit blood flow to vital areas of the brain.

How does an aneurysm affect the circulatory system?

Complications with aneurysms blood clots within the aneurysm. compression of nearby nerves, if the aneurysm is large enough. blood leaking out of the intact aneurysm into the walls of the artery (dissecting aneurysm) impaired blood circulation beyond the point of the aneurysm.

What causes weakness in the wall of a blood vessel?

Aneurysms are caused by weakness in the wall of a cerebral artery or vein, aortic artery, or peripheral artery. The disorder may result from defects present at birth (congenital) or from underlying conditions such as hypertensive vascular disease and atherosclerosis, or from previous trauma to the area of the aneurysm.

What happens when blood vessels bulge in the chest?

When Blood Vessels Bulge. Aneurysms can also cause a split within the layers of an artery wall. This split, called a dissection, can lead to bleeding within the artery’s layers. Aneurysms that rupture or dissect can cause sudden death. Many aneurysms occur in deep inside the chest, abdomen or brain.

What happens when blood vessels bulge in the brain?

When Blood Vessels Bulge. Ruptured brain aneurysms can cause a sudden, intense headache. However, because most aneurysms have no symptoms, they’re often found by chance during a doctor visit. “Many aneurysms are found when a patient is getting images—like MRI or CT scans—done for another reason,” says Tolunay.

What do you mean by hardening of the arteries?

Artery — Blood vessels which carry blood to various parts of the body. Arteries carry oxygenated blood. Atherosclerosis — Hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of lipids and other substances in the blood vessels. Atrium — One of the two upper chambers of the heart.

What causes a weak spot in a blood vessel?

An aneurysm results from a weak spot in a blood vessel, where the blood vessel wall is thinner than in most other places. This condition is most typically congenital; in other words, a condition the person is born with, although injuries, infections, and hardening of the arteries can also cause an aneurysm.

When Blood Vessels Bulge. Aneurysms can also cause a split within the layers of an artery wall. This split, called a dissection, can lead to bleeding within the artery’s layers. Aneurysms that rupture or dissect can cause sudden death. Many aneurysms occur in deep inside the chest, abdomen or brain.

When Blood Vessels Bulge. Ruptured brain aneurysms can cause a sudden, intense headache. However, because most aneurysms have no symptoms, they’re often found by chance during a doctor visit. “Many aneurysms are found when a patient is getting images—like MRI or CT scans—done for another reason,” says Tolunay.

What can cause weakness in the artery walls?

Any condition that causes your artery walls to weaken can bring one on. The most common culprits are atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Deep wounds and infections can also lead to an aneurysm. Or you may be born with weakness in one of your artery walls. American Heart Association. © 2019 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.