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About two percent of Americans have an aneurysm and are at risk of developing severe health complications if the aneurysm ruptures. At the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, the experienced cardiovascular specialists offer on-site diagnostic testing to determine where the aneurysm is and if you need treatment. The providers can also perform minimally invasive surgery to place a stent to improve your blood circulation. Call the office in Phoenix, Peoria (Sun City), Gilbert, Prescott, or Yuma, Arizona, today or book an appointment online if you have symptoms of an aneurysm.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a weak spot in an artery wall that widens or balloons outward. Aneurysms can happen in any area of your body but are most common in the:
- Aorta (aortic aneurysm)
- Brain (cerebral aneurysm)
- Spleen (splenic artery aneurysm)
- Intestine (mesenteric artery aneurysm)
- Behind the knee (popliteal artery aneurysm)
Weakness in your artery wall is often caused by an injury or an aortic disease. You can also be born with an aneurysm or be at high risk of developing one because of your family’s health history.
Other risk factors for an aneurysm include high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), and tobacco use.
When should I seek help for an aneurysm?
Aneurysms tend to develop over several years, and they might not cause any symptoms..
If the aneurysm ruptures, you can experience sudden symptoms that depend on where the aneurysm is. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Vision changes
- Swallowing difficulties
- Discoloration in your lower extremities
If you have any of these symptoms, you should immediately schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center, as the condition can become a medical emergency.
The providers complete a physical exam and might order diagnostic imaging or an angiogram. This special X-ray test identifies clogged or ruptured areas of your arteries.
How is an aneurysm treated?
If you have an aneurysm that hasn’t ruptured, the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center providers can monitor your condition during regular follow-up appointments.
If you have a ruptured aneurysm, you probably need surgery. The heart specialists use minimally invasive procedures to close the weak spot in your artery wall. They can also place a stent, a medical device that widens a narrowed part of your artery so that blood can flow more efficiently.
The providers will also recommend lifestyle and dietary changes that you can make to lower your risk for another aneurysm. They focus on keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range, and if you’re a smoker, they offer resources to help you quit for good.
Call the Arizona Heart Rhythm Center office nearest you now or immediately book a consultation online for evaluation for a possible aneurysm.