Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a blood filled bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weakness in the vessel (tube) wall or a diseased vessel. The aorta fills with blood and can bulge out like a balloon and become an aneurysm. If it becomes too big it may rupture (burst). A ruptured aneurysm can cause internal bleeding. Internal bleeding can lead to shock and death. Emergency surgery is vital.

Aneurysms can run in families. Prevention, early detection and monitoring have a direct impact on a person's survival rate. Finding and treating large aneurysms early is crucial to preventing aneurysm rupture.

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with an aneurysm and you are over age 50, you too should be screened for an aneurysm.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear. In many cases symptoms do not appear or until it is too late to successfully intervene.