If your artery has any weak spots, a leg aneurysm can occur. Generally, it occurs when the more fragile area of your blood vessels swells, and you can see a visible bulge in your legs. Although a leg aneurysm is quite rare, it can occur if you have a family history. Even if you don’t, it can still occur for various reasons, and it is important to get it treated right away. If the aneurysm is not treated quickly, it can rupture or burst blood vessels. But that only happens if you leave it untreated.
Here is everything you need to know about leg aneurysms, including their causes and treatment:
Causes of a Leg Aneurysm
There are multiple causes of leg aneurysms. Different body parts can cause an aneurysm, but the most common area for them to occur is the legs and thighs. Here are some of the most common causes of leg aneurysms:
Family History
If you have a family history of aneurysms, you’re more likely to get one yourself. However, this doesn’t imply that everyone who has a family history of this condition would have it. But it is one of the major risk factors.
Medical History in Aneurysm
If you’ve already had an aneurysm in a different body part or your legs, you can get it again. But just like family history, it’s not a 100% reason to get an aneurysm. But patients who have suffered once from this condition are more likely to get it a second time.
Males
Generally, an aneurysm is found in males more than in females. However, it is important to note that leg aneurysms are rare, even in males.
High Blood Pressure
Alleviated blood pressure is a major cause of leg aneurysms. Moreover, if your aneurysm is small, high blood pressure can increase the severity of your condition.
Smoking
Smoking is not only hazardous to your lungs. Besides the risk of lung cancer, smoking can also damage your blood vessels, inducing leg aneurysms.
Treatment
To treat a leg aneurysm, you might first undergo a surgical procedure. But based on the severity of your condition, your doctor might prescribe you a different treatment plan.
Patients who suffer from this condition need to follow up regularly with ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans to check progress and signs of recurring situations.
The Bottom Line
Whether your leg aneurysm is minor or severe, you must get it checked by a doctor asap. Choose a clinic that specializes in treating vascular diseases. Get in touch with Milner Vein and Vascular and get yourself checked today if you feel a lump or pain in certain areas of your legs. It’s a clinic dedicated to treating vascular injuries, including leg aneurysms.