CARDIOVASCULAR FACTORS AND RISK OF BRAIN ANEURYSM IN ADULTS

Abstract

Brain aneurysm is characterized by an abnormal dilation of the intracranial arteries, frequently asymptomatic, but associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality when rupture occurs, especially in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this context, cardiovascular factors have been widely related to the formation and progression of these lesions, although an integrated understanding of their action still represents a challenge for the scientific literature. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the association between cardiovascular factors and the risk of developing brain aneurysms in adults. This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative approach, conducted in the LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. For the search of studies, descriptors in Portuguese and English were used, combined through Boolean operators, considering publications between 2019 and 2025. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies composed the final sample. The results showed that the development and rupture of brain aneurysms are associated with a complex interaction of hemodynamic, inflammatory, and structural factors. Among the main modifiable factors, systemic arterial hypertension and smoking stand out, contributing to increased hemodynamic stress and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, conditions such as atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and vascular aging favor arterial wall fragility, while behavioral factors, such as sedentary lifestyle and alcohol consumption, indirectly increase the risk. The analysis also demonstrated that these factors act interdependently, making their isolated understanding insufficient. It is concluded that brain aneurysms result from a multifactorial and dynamic process, in which cardiovascular, behavioral, and biological factors interact in a complex manner. Thus, preventive strategies should prioritize integrated approaches, aimed at controlling risk factors and promoting cardiovascular health. Furthermore, there is a need for future studies that deepen the understanding of the interactions between these determinants, contributing to the improvement of clinical practices and to the reduction of the impacts of this condition on public health.