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Heart Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr S. Srikar Samir Nandan , Cardiologist
A heart aneurysm is a bulge or balloon-like area that forms in the wall of the heart, usually after a heart attack weakens the heart muscle. It affects how the heart pumps blood and can lead to complications if not monitored or treated. Although not as common as aneurysms in the brain or aorta, heart aneurysms can still pose life-threatening risks.
What is a Heart Aneurysm?
A heart aneurysm, also called a ventricular aneurysm, happens when part of the heart wall becomes thin and weak, causing it to stretch out and form a bulge. This usually occurs in the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart.
Most heart aneurysms form after a heart attack, which damages the muscle and causes scarring. The scarred area loses strength over time, and with the constant pressure of pumping blood, it starts to balloon outward.
What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Aneurysm?
Some people with a heart aneurysm may not feel any symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, others may notice signs that something is wrong with the heart's ability to work normally.
Common symptoms include
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fatigue or shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat or skipped beats
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Difficulty exercising or walking long distances
In some cases, the first sign might be a serious event like a blood clot, arrhythmia, or even heart failure.
What Causes a Heart Aneurysm?
The most common cause of a heart aneurysm is a heart attack (myocardial infarction). When a section of the heart muscle is damaged by the attack, it may not heal properly and becomes weaker than the surrounding tissue.
Other causes include
- Long-term high blood pressure
- Viral infections that affect the heart
- Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
- Certain genetic or connective tissue disorders
- Previous heart surgeries
- Traumatic chest injury (rare)
Aneurysms usually form over time, not suddenly. The pressure from daily heartbeats can slowly stretch the weak area until a bulge forms.
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Get Second OpinionWho is at Risk for a Heart Aneurysm?
Anyone can develop a heart aneurysm, but certain people are more likely to be affected due to age, genetics, or underlying heart problems. Conditions like high blood pressure, smoking, and past heart attacks greatly increase the risk. Knowing if you're at risk can help with early monitoring and prevention.
Other risk factors include
- Poorly controlled blood pressure
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle
- A family history of aneurysms or heart disease
Keeping these conditions under control may lower your risk of developing a heart aneurysm.
How is a Heart Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Heart aneurysms often don't cause clear symptoms at first, so doctors rely on imaging tests to detect them. Tests like echocardiograms, CT scans, or MRIs help identify the size and location of the aneurysm. A timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the safest and most effective treatment.
Diagnostic tests may include
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound): Shows the shape and movement of the heart wall
- MRI or CT scan: Gives a clear image of the aneurysm's size and location
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures heart rhythm and detects damage
- Cardiac catheterization: Checks blood flow and pressure inside the heart
- Chest X-ray: May show an enlarged or unusual heart shape
Early diagnosis helps guide the best treatment plan and lowers the chance of complications.
How is a Heart Aneurysm Treated?
Treating a heart aneurysm depends on how big it is and whether it's causing problems. Doctors may suggest medications to lower blood pressure or surgery to repair the weakened area. With the right treatment plan, many patients live full, healthy lives and avoid complications.
Medications
Most people with heart aneurysms take medications to control blood pressure, reduce heart strain, and prevent blood clots.
Common drugs include
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Antiarrhythmics for irregular heartbeat
Surgery
If the aneurysm is large or causes dangerous arrhythmias, surgery may be needed. This can involve:
- Aneurysmectomy: Removing the bulging section of the heart
- Heart bypass surgery: To improve blood flow if arteries are blocked
- Implantable devices: Such as defibrillators to manage irregular heartbeats
Lifestyle Management
Making healthy lifestyle changes is key to controlling heart disease.
This includes
- Eating a heart-friendly diet
- Quitting smoking
- Controlling blood sugar and high blood pressure
- Exercising as advised by your doctor
- Managing stress
Can a Heart Aneurysm Be Cured?
While medications and lifestyle changes help manage the condition, a heart aneurysm doesn't usually go away on its own. However, with regular care, many people live a full life without symptoms or serious problems.
Surgical repair can sometimes fully remove the aneurysm, especially if it's caught early. Long-term follow-up is important to monitor changes and adjust treatment if needed.
What are the Complications of Heart Aneurysm?
If not treated early, a heart aneurysm can lead to dangerous issues like blood clots, rupture, or even sudden death. It can also strain the heart, leading to heart failure over time. Understanding the risks allows patients to take action before serious damage occurs.
- A heart aneurysm can cause blood clots if it is not treated. These clots can move towards the brain and can cause a stroke.
- Heart failure: When the heart can't pump blood properly
- Arrhythmias: Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats that may be life-threatening
- Heart rupture: In very rare and severe cases, the aneurysm may burst
- Reduced exercise capacity or poor quality of life
These risks highlight the importance of early diagnosis and regular checkups.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Many people ignore early heart symptoms, but waiting can be risky. It's important to seek medical help if you notice anything unusual, especially after a heart attack or if you're already living with heart disease.
You should see a doctor if you
- Have had a heart attack and are experiencing new symptoms
- Notice chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden fatigue
- Feel irregular heartbeats or lightheadedness
- Have swelling in your legs or signs of heart failure
Even if symptoms are mild, don't wait. Early care can prevent major complications.
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Our Experience Treating Heart Aneurysms
At Medicover, we understand how serious and frightening a heart aneurysm can be for both patients and their families. That's why our expert cardiac team is dedicated to offering safe, personalised care every step of the way.
We provide:
- Advanced diagnostic tools to detect aneurysms early and accurately
- Individualised treatment plans based on the aneurysm's size, location, and your overall heart health
- Access to minimally invasive procedures and skilled cardiac surgery, if needed
- Ongoing care and monitoring to prevent complications and support long-term heart function
- Lifestyle and medication guidance to help you stay strong and reduce future risks
Whether you've just been diagnosed or are seeking a second opinion, our focus is on helping you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care. At Medicover, we don't just treat the condition, we treat the person behind it.
