Causes Of An Aneurysm

An aneurysm is caused by several different factors, with many of them being non-preventable.  An aneurysm is primarily caused by a tendency to form an aneurysm and the hardening of the arteries.  Here is a breakdown of the various risk factors of an aneurysm.

• Previous Aneurysms- Many people who experience an aneurysm and survive tend to develop more. 
  
• Gender- Women are more likely to develop certain kinds of aneurysms.
• Obesity- Obesity is a serious condition and leads to many health conditions, including aneurysms.
  
• Smoking- Smoking greatly increases the chance of developing an aneurysm, along with bringing on hypertension, another cause of an aneurysm.
• Race- African Americans are more likely to develop certain kinds of aneurysms
• Heredity- If your family history is riddled with aneurysms, then you are twice as likely to develop them as well.

There are some rare causes of aneurysms, such as mycotic aneurysms, which are caused by infections of the artery wall.  Trauma and tumors can also be a cause of aneurysms forming.  Drug abuse, and in particular, cocaine use, can force the artery walls to become inflamed and weakened. 

Most aneurysms that occur in people are never found or diagnosed because they stay small and are never an issue.  Some, though, may get larger over time and begin putting pressure on the brain tissue and nerves that may surround the aneurysm.  Facial symptoms, such as numbness or weakness on one side of the face, dilated pupils, change in vision, or headaches may be signs of an aneurysm.