Mark Swaim MD PhD Explains the Risk Factors of Aneurysms

Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, has dedicated his life to minimize the effects of aneurysms on his patients. An aneurysm develops when an artery wall becomes weak over time, which causes a bulging in the artery. The ballooning of the walls can lead to a ruptured aneurysm, which can be fatal.

An aneurysm can develop all over the body. Cerebral aneurysm affects blood vessels connected to the brain, while aortic aneurysm happens in the major artery connected to the heart. Once an aneurysm is ruptured, it can cause internal bleeding and loss of blood to vital organs in the body.

Risk factors of aneurysms

Several risk factors contribute to the formation of aneurysms. Here are the main ones:

Smoking

Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, says that smoking is considered to be one of the biggest risk factors in the development of aneurysms anywhere in the body. It can also increase the likelihood of a ruptured aneurysm. Giving up smoking significantly reduces this risk.

Hypertension

Hypertension is another major risk factor for aneurysms. Fortunately, like smoking, this is something that is within the control of an individual. Lifestyle changes can help in reducing blood pressure and so lower the risk of aneurysm.

Family History

Having someone in your family who suffered from an aneurysm increases the risk that a family member will suffer from it too. One can try to minimize the risk by controlling the factors which can be changed and leading a healthy lifestyle.

Gender and Age

Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, explains that those who are over the age of 40 have a higher risk of developing aneurysms. Women are also more likely to develop them than men.

There are other risk factors involved in developing the condition, like the rare cases where individuals have an arteriovenous malformation. An abnormality in the artery wall can also increase the chances of getting aneurysms.

Mark Swaim, MD, PhD, says that numerous procedures can treat aneurysms. However, immediate medical attention is needed once they rupture.

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