Ученые выявили ключевые факторы риска разрыва аневризмы мозга у женщин

Brain aneurysms can sit inside a blood vessel for years. The danger begins when the weakened area grows or ruptures, causing bleeding around the brain. Brain aneurysms are more common in women, and the difference becomes more noticeable after menopause. The reasons are not fully settled, but hormones, blood-vessel changes, smoking, high blood pressure and genetics all appear to play a role. Why are women more vulnerable? The female sex itself is recognised as a risk factor for brain aneurysms. The risk also appears to rise after menopause, when estrogen levels fall. Estrogen helps maintain healthy blood-vessel function, so researchers have explored whether its decline may leave artery walls more vulnerable. “This higher risk in women may be linked to several factors, including changes in blood vessel structure and the loss of the protective effects of estrogen after menopause,” explains Dr Vipul Gupta, Director, Neurointerventional Surgery, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital. The hormone theory is plausible, but it is not the whole explanation. Recent research has also found that evidence linking individual estrogen levels directly to aneurysm-related bleeding remains mixed. Smoking can be especially important Smoking is one of the risk factors that can be changed. Tobacco can damage blood-vessel walls and is linked with both aneurysm formation and rupture. A recent systematic review found that current smoking may have a stronger association with aneurysmal bleeding in women than in men. “Smoking may further increase this risk, with research suggesting that its impact on aneurysm formation may be particularly significant in women,” Dr Gupta said. That makes quitting smoking more than a general heart-health recommendation. It may also matter for brain blood vessels. Blood pressure and family history matter High blood pressure repeatedly stresses artery walls. Over time, this can contribute to weakening and may increase the chance of aneurysm formation or rupture. Family history deserves attention too. Having a parent, sibling or child with a brain aneurysm can increase risk. People with a strong family history should discuss screening with a doctor rather than assuming they are safe because they have no symptoms. The headache that demands attention Many unruptured aneurysms cause no warning at all. But rupture can produce a sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches maximum intensity almost immediately. Nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, vision problems, seizures or loss of consciousness may follow. “These symptoms should never be ignored or treated as an ordinary headache. A sudden, severe headache that reaches maximum intensity almost immediately requires urgent medical evaluation,” Dr Gupta said. This is not a headache to watch overnight. It needs emergency medical assessment. Treatment is no longer limited to open surgery A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. Depending on its size, location and other factors, doctors may treat it through open surgery or minimally invasive endovascular procedures. “With advances in neurointerventional technology, many brain aneurysms can now be treated safely and effectively through minimally invasive techniques,” Dr Gupta said. The practical message is simple: women cannot control their sex, genes or menopause. But they can control several important risks, especially smoking and uncontrolled blood pressure. Recognising a sudden, severe headache can also make a critical difference. Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr Vipul Gupta, Director- Neurointerventional Surgery, Sir H.N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. Inputs were used to explain the health risks of supplement overdose and why medical advice is important before trying natural alternatives.