an aneurysm is a balloon-like bulging of a portion of a blood vessel most commonly occurring in arteries. aneurysms occur in places where the muscular wall of the artery is weak. when the heart contracts and pushes blood pressure to its maximal point the weak part of the artery bulges and swells. the main areas where aneurysms can cause problems in adults are the arteries in the brain and the aorta (the main artery in the center of the body). the cause of aneurysms is unknown but high blood pressure and smoking are risk factors. aneurysms are dangerous because they can burst (rupture) causing rapid life-threatening bleeding. doctors often recommend observation for small aneurysms. larger aneurysms are more likely to rupture and doctors may recommend surgery or another procedure to reduce the risk.
what is an aneurysm?