Aneurysm

Causes & Prevention

Prevention Strategies for Cerebral Aneurysm

Prevention of developing a cerebral aneurysm, or of having one burst, is mostly a lifestyle issue.

The strategies are:

  • Don't smoke or use stimulant drugs. Both can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure and damage arteries.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Aneurysms

Everyone is at risk for brain aneurysms, although the percentage of aneurysms that rupture and cause death is small (about 10 in every 100,000 persons per year, or about 27,000 patients per year in the U.S.).

A Healthy Lifestyle is the Best Prevention for an Aortic Aneurysm

Since atherosclerosis is the prime cause of aortic aneurysms, to prevent one means to keep your blood vessels as healthy as possible. Reducing stress and being careful about what you eat can make all the difference.

Causes of Aortic Aneurysms

According to the Mayo Clinic, atherosclerosis is a major cause of aortic aneurysms. Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fatty deposits and other substances in the arteries. As atherosclerosis worsens, the aortic wall becomes weak or damaged. Over time, the constant pressure of blood coursing through a weakened aorta can cause a section of it to slowly enlarge, forming a bulge — an aneurysm.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.