Aneurysm
Last updated: 26 Jan. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Have you ever heard of someone discovering an aneurysm by chance during a scan? Many people do, because aneurysms often grow quietly for years before showing any signs. While the word may sound alarming, understanding what an aneurysm is and how it forms can help you stay informed and proactive about your vascular health.
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens and bulges outward, like a small balloon. Most stay stable for years, but if pressure builds or the wall weakens further, the bulge can enlarge or rupture. Detecting these changes early makes all the difference.
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What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a localised enlargement of an artery caused by thinning or weakening of the vessel wall. It can develop in various parts of the body, most commonly in the brain (cerebral aneurysm), aorta (aortic aneurysm), or peripheral arteries like those in the legs.
Over time, constant blood pressure against the weakened wall can cause the artery to bulge. Small aneurysms may never cause trouble, but larger ones can compress nearby structures or, in rare cases, rupture, leading to internal bleeding.
Understanding your risk factors and tracking vascular health through simple tests can help identify early warning signs before complications arise.
Symptoms of an aneurysm
Many aneurysms cause no symptoms until they become large. When symptoms appear, they depend on the location:
Brain (cerebral aneurysm):
Sudden, severe headache (“worst headache of life”)
Blurred vision or drooping eyelid
Nausea, dizziness, or sensitivity to light
Seizures or loss of consciousness (if ruptured)
Aorta or peripheral arteries:
Pulsating feeling in the abdomen
Deep or constant pain in the back or side
Pain, coldness, or weakness in one leg
Because aneurysms can remain silent, preventive testing and vascular monitoring are key to staying safe.
Causes of an aneurysm
Aneurysms develop from a mix of structural, lifestyle, and genetic factors that weaken the artery walls. Common causes include:
High blood pressure: continuous strain on vessel walls
Atherosclerosis: buildup of plaque that erodes vessel strength
Smoking: damages blood vessel lining and elasticity
Genetic predisposition: inherited connective tissue weakness (e.g., Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
Inflammation or infection: can affect vascular tissue integrity
Ageing: gradual loss of vessel elasticity
Many of these factors are manageable with awareness and preventive care.
How is an aneurysm detected?
Aneurysms are usually found through imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI angiography. However, blood biomarkers can provide early insights into vascular inflammation, clotting activity, and tissue strength.
Key biomarkers include:
CRP (C-reactive protein): signals inflammation that may weaken vessel walls.
Lipid profile: high cholesterol contributes to plaque and arterial damage.
Homocysteine: elevated levels harm vessel lining and elasticity.
Fibrinogen and D-dimer: reflect clotting activity within weakened vessels.
Vitamin C and collagen-related markers: support vascular tissue repair and strength.
Why early detection matters
Aneurysms usually grow slowly, making early detection your strongest protection. Regular monitoring allows you to:
Identify and control blood pressure or cholesterol imbalances
Detect silent inflammation that can erode vessel walls
Discuss imaging follow-ups with your doctor before symptoms appear
Small lifestyle changes like reducing smoking, improving diet, and maintaining stable blood pressure can significantly lower risk and support vessel resilience.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s preventive blood panels track key biomarkers linked to vascular strength, inflammation, and circulation. With this insight, you can better understand how your blood vessels are functioning and take timely action when needed.
Elfcare’s focus is awareness, not diagnosis. By knowing your numbers early, you can have informed discussions with your doctor and build long-term confidence in your vascular health.
Summary
Aneurysms often develop silently, but early awareness offers peace of mind and safety. Through regular testing, lifestyle care, and medical follow-up, you can reduce risk and support strong, flexible arteries for life.
When you understand your body, you can make choices that protect your stability, energy, and long-term heart and vessel health.
Last updated: 26 Jan. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel weakens and bulges outward, forming a balloon-like enlargement. It can develop in different parts of the body, most commonly in the brain, aorta, or peripheral arteries. Many aneurysms remain stable for years, but some can grow or rupture if the vessel wall weakens further.
What are the most common symptoms of an aneurysm?
Many aneurysms cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during imaging tests. When symptoms do occur, they depend on the location and may include severe headache, vision changes, abdominal pulsation, or deep, persistent pain. Because symptoms often appear late, aneurysms are sometimes detected only after they become more serious.
What causes an aneurysm?
Aneurysms develop when blood vessel walls are weakened by a combination of structural, lifestyle, and genetic factors. High blood pressure, smoking, atherosclerosis, ageing, and inherited connective tissue conditions can all contribute to vessel weakness. Over time, constant pressure against a weakened artery can cause it to expand.
Can aneurysms be treated or managed?
Yes, aneurysms can often be monitored and managed depending on their size, location, and risk factors. Management may include regular imaging, blood pressure control, lifestyle changes, or medical follow-up. Early detection allows for careful monitoring before intervention becomes necessary.