Do aneurysms run in the family?

Question

My dad has had abdominal aneurysms, and they did say his daughters would have like a 7% chance at age 50 or so but when they explained that they said nothing about brain aneurysms. My grandma on my moms side died of a brain aneurysm. She died wthin 6 weeks of finding that but she also had breast cancer and suffered from her 3rd stroke within 5 years before the aneurysm. Does anyone know what my chances are of getting brain aneurysms?..or know where to find out what my chances are?
I know I have chances of cancer and many other things because of my family but besides going to the doctor is there a website to see chances of future diseases?

Answer 1

Some studies had proven that aneurysms run in the family. Research data appears to show that some individuals have a basic genetic susceptibility or predisposition to aneurysms. The genetic inheritance patterns resemble characteristics linked to an autosomal dominant gene. Within some families, rates of aneurysms can run as high as five to 10 times those found in the general population.

Aneurysms as it is known is most commonly a result of an accumulation of fatty deposits on the vessel wall but may also relate to heredity, trauma or other disease that weakens the vessel wall. An aneurysm which is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of a blood vessel could be affecting the brain, or part of aorta.

Aneurysms in the brain are considered to be acquired problems. Other evidence indicates that genetic factors make some people more likely to develop brain aneurysms. People with certain inherited disorders are also at higher risk. One study says there is a 2- to 7-fold increased risk of intracranial aneurysm formation and subarachnoid aneurismal hemorrhage in first-degree relatives (parents, children, and siblings). A commonly quoted statistic in the literature is "up to 10% in certain populations can be familial." The highest familial association is among siblings is 52%. The exact pattern of inheritance is not clear. In most families with brain aneurysms, the condition affects only 2-3 members of the extended family, and the method of inheritance is not apparent.

If an aneurysm forms in the part of the aorta that extends through the abdomen it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. As the aneurysm enlarges so does the risk of rupture. Men are approximately eight times more likely to develop aneurysms than women are. The sons and brothers of a man with an abdominal aortic aneurysm have roughly a one in five chance of developing aneurysms themselves. Few patients survive aneurysm rupture, hence the importance of early diagnosis and repair of the aneurysm.

Further researches are ongoing which includes genetic linkage issues on aneurysms. One of such current studies investigates the role of genetics on the development of intracranial aneurysms.♥

Answer 2

There have been several studies demonstrating that some cerebral aneurysms (perhaps 10%) can have a genetic component. Although the nature of hereditary aneurysms is not fully understood, several centers (including the Department of Neurological Surgery at Columbia University) are actively studying this area.
Cerebral aneurysms were once thought to be a congenital (from birth) abnormality. While this may be true in some cases, studies have shown that aneurysms can be caused by a number of factors. Very often, aneurysms develop from a weakening in the structural layer of an artery which allows the growth of an aneurysm. High blood pressure (hypertension) and atherosclerosis (lipid buildup in the artery wall) can promote aneurysm growth and rupture. Certain infections in the blood can cause a special kind of aneurysm called a mycotic aneurysm.

Answer 3

I am so sorry for your loss. I almost lost my mother a few years ago. She had 2 brain aneurysms rupture, however even with a 3% chance of survival she made it through the surgery and rehab without any permanent damage.

They do run in families.

It may seem wierd, but aside from my mother, her sister had 4 and survived. Their father and step-brother both died of them, and their grandmother on their mother's side passed the same way. It, as with many things, has to do with genetics. I am not sure if they have a genetic test for it, however, I get a brain MRI every year. I am only 30, and there is no way to fortell the future, but the MRIs seem to give me some peace.

I would see if you can fing a genetic counselor in your area. A good one in the Las Vegas, NV area is AMIGENICS. I recently underwent some screening there and are awaiting the results. Geneticists are our best hope for preventative medicine (in my opinion).

Another thing to look into is Marfan Syndrome. My distant relative had it and even though I don't have it, aneurysms are very common with that syndrome. You can always be a carrier of something, and have no symptoms. Marfan syndrome affected Abe Lincoln (my relative) and had he not been asassinated, he would have died soon because of the extreme case he had. Johnathan Larson, who wrote the Broadway Musical RENT, also had this and died of an aneurysm.

I would not trust the web, I would seek advice from a genetic counselor, then use the web to decifer what they find.... the web will only scare you.

The best ways to lessen your chances are to maintain a healthy weight, blood pressure, and above all don't smoke. It may sound wierd, but caffeine and smoking cause the vessels to dialate and contract...all of my family members whom I have mentioned, did all of these.

We all know life is fragile and short, live your life to the fullest, seek testing, but don't let it bring you down. The last thing you want to do is live in fear..


Good luck, and keep me informed, my thoughts are with you.
Best Wishes,
Tanya

Answer 4

Doctors say aneurysms are not hereditary. BUT, listen to this story about my family. My grandmother (maternal) dropped dead peeling potatoes at 63 years old. My mother's only sister had a brain aneurysm in her brain at 45 years old. She died the next day before they could do anything for her. My mother had a brain
aneurysm at 45. (YES, AT 45 YRARS OLD) Hers started to reseal itself on its own. They were able to operate and save her. She was never the same. The doctor said whenever you mess with someone's brain it will change something about their personality. She didn't act retarded or anything like that. She could function well on her own. But she was not our mother any more. It was weird.

My mother also had three brothers and they all died of high blood pressure or strokes from high blood pressure.
Can you imagine how frightened my sister and I were the year we were 45?? An aneurysm doesn't always show up on cat scans or M.R.I.s. They can be hidden.

I have had high blood pressure all my life. I make sure I see the doctor and have been able to keep it under control with drugs. It still has to be watched because medication some times has to be changed due to age, puberty, pregnancies, menopause and other life changes, including stress.
I have three children. They are 35, 38 and 44 years old. They all have high blood pressure. It has nothing to do with weight, diet, it is hereditary................

Answer 5

Are Brain Aneurysms Hereditary

Answer 6

Are Aneurysms Genetic

Answer 7

My condolescenses for your recently loss
About brain aneurysm it is clear that they DO run in the family when there is a strong history like yours. the problem is that there are lots of genes involved and not all of them neccesaryly involved in brain aneurysm.
the most know cause of hereditary brain aneurysm is a mutation in the gen PKDAD 1 taht cause polikistic kidney desease. the best approach for you is to visit a primary doctor, tell your hystory and ask him to perform you a complete study including a CT scan or MRI for search kidney aneurysm
after that, it,s only a matter of time, so there is anything that you can do, only take care of yourself, dont increase your risk factors (i mean, have a healthy life, mantein a good weight, avoid stressful situations, etc)
hope be useful to you

Answer 8

I don't know what your chances are, but aneurysms do run in families. My cousin has a titanium clip in her head. Our aunt (not her mom) had surgery for a brain aneurysm. Our grandma was just diagnosed with a brain aneurysm but they aren't doing surgery since she is 92. Talk to your family doctor. I think you should probably get an MRI.

Answer 9

My condolences for the passing of your dad. My mom passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 49 (1984). From what I've been told, high blood pressure may be genetically inherited... resulting her aneurysm. As you get older have your blood pressure checked.

My aunt (my moms sister) now has high blood pressure and is taking medication for it.

Take care.

Answer 10

This is sort of a Eugenics question in ways. Deals with genes. I believe in genes, even in sickness to some degree. But I also believe that families that generally eat the same and have the same lifestyle contribute to the same illnesses. Like if the family is Italian and has a huge staple of pasta, cheese, oils etc. How does that affect the "Family" vs. genes. A big part of who you are is what you eat. The question I have is if people ate pure whole grain foods, wholesome veggies, milk, cheeses and meats - all in proper portions, would they still get things that seem to run in families like "strokes"? I do believe that a persons diet means a lot more to something like a stroke than genes.