If a blood vessel or vein is dilated at a certain point, this is known as an aneurysm. This bulge in the bloodstream is usually sac-shaped or spindle-shaped. It can develop in any vein in the body - it usually occurs in the large arteries.

The symptoms
Those affected often do not even notice that they have an aneurysm. Only when the bulge becomes larger can pain occur. Sometimes patients describe a throbbing in the head or abdomen - where the aneurysm is located.

The origin
The main cause is calcified vessels. Other risk factors: Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and too little exercise. And, of course, genetic predisposition also plays a role. Sometimes a bacterial infection is the cause: it causes inflammation in the vessel wall, which is damaged in such a way that the protrusion forms.

The therapy
If an aneurysm is left untreated, the vein can rupture at this point, leading to life-threatening bleeding. During treatment, the blood vessel is pinched off and the vein is reinforced with a plastic prosthesis.