Summary

An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, forming when blood pressure forces a weakened section of the vessel outward. While they can occur anywhere in the body, they are most common and critical in the brain (cerebral aneurysms) and the aorta (aortic aneurysms). Because they typically present no symptoms until they rupture or grow large enough to press on nerves, they are often termed "silent killers." A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency that leads to severe internal bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, or death. Key risk factors include hypertension, smoking, atherosclerosis, and family history. Preventive measures involve managing blood pressure and lifestyle changes, while surgical options such as clipping or endovascular coiling are used to treat high-risk or ruptured aneurysms. The condition highlights the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and cardiovascular health challenges in an aging population.