What is an aneurysm? | wthr.com
Andrew Mccoy
Updated on April 04, 2026
Eyewitness News anchor John Stehr is still recovering from a medical procedure and wants to share information about a potentially deadly medical condition he's been tracking for years: an aortic aneurysm.
INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Eyewitness News anchor John Stehr is still recovering from a medical procedure and wants to share a health update with WTHR viewers.
John anchors the 5, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts for Eyewitness News, but WTHR viewers haven't seen him for a while. Monday marks one month of medical leave for John after he had heart surgery in July.
It was a date he had circled on the calendar for most of this year.
His heart aneurysm was detected nearly a decade ago with an echocardiogram.
Monday at 6pm, John will let you behind the scenes of his operation and recovery.
Aneurysm Facts
An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to widen abnormally or balloon out. The causes of aneurysms are sometimes unknown. Some may be congenital, meaning a person is born with them. An aneurysm may also occur as the result of aortic disease or an injury.
Aneurysms can develop slowly over many years and often have no symptoms. An aneurysm occurring near the surface of the skin may be painful and include swelling with a visible throbbing mass. If an aneurysm expands quickly or ruptures, symptoms may develop suddenly and include:
- Pain
- Clammy skin
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Shock
- Low blood pressure
Aneurysm Risks & Treatment
A family history of aneurysm may increase your risks of an aneurysm. Other factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. To lower your risk, take these steps to promote healthy blood vessels:
Treatment & Prevention: A ruptured aneurysm is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number and seek immediate medical attention. If you’ve been diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm, work closely with your doctor. Depending on its size and location, you may require regular check-ups to monitor any changes. Some aneurysms may require surgery to reinforce the artery with a stent. In cases where the aneurysm has ballooned, a coiling procedure may be done to close off the area.
