Aneurysms of The Heart

An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. Aneurysms can form in arteries of all sizes. An aneurysm occurs when the pressure of blood passing through part of a weakened artery forces the vessel to bulge outward, forming what you might think of as a blister. Not all aneurysms are life-threatening. But if the bulging stretches the artery too far, this vessel may burst, causing a person to bleed to death. An aneurysm that bleeds into the brain can lead to stroke or death. In order to qualify the claimant must have an aneurysm of the aorta or one of the major branches in the heart documented by images of the aneurysm.

For this condition to be severe enough to meet the Social Security Administration's listing the claimant must have:

• Acute or chronic dissection not controlled by prescription or some other treatment; OR
• Chronic heart failure; OR
• Kidney failure; OR
• Neurological complications