What might happen if an aneurysm ruptures?

When an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to severe hypotension, which is a critical drop in blood pressure. This occurs because the rupture allows blood to escape from the vascular system into surrounding tissues or cavities, leading to a significant loss of circulating blood volume. As a result, the heart struggles to maintain adequate blood pressure, causing the symptoms of shock, including weakness, dizziness, rapid pulse, and potentially loss of consciousness. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to control the bleeding and stabilize the blood pressure, highlighting the urgency of this situation.

In contrast, chronic pain is not typically associated with a ruptured aneurysm, as the immediate concern involves rapid blood loss rather than ongoing pain. Elevated blood pressure is also not a direct consequence of a rupture; instead, the event usually results in hypotension due to blood loss. Lastly, a ruptured aneurysm is often characterized by acute symptoms, such as severe pain or changes in consciousness, rather than minimal or no symptoms, making early recognition critical for effective treatment.