Aneurysm

Large aortic aneurysms often can be repaired with surgery. During surgery, the weak or damaged portion of the aorta is replaced or reinforced.

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What Causes an Aneurysm?

The force of blood pushing against the walls of an artery combined with damage or injury to the artery's walls can cause an aneurysm.

A number of factors can damage and weaken the walls of the aorta and cause aortic aneurysms:

Aging, smoking, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis are all factors that can damage or weaken the walls of the aorta. Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of a fatty material called plaque (plak).

Rarely, infections, such as untreated syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection), can cause aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms also can occur as a result of diseases that inflame the blood vessels, such as vasculitis.

Family history also may play a role in causing aortic aneurysms.

In addition to the factors above, certain genetic conditions may cause thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Examples include Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (the vascular type).

These conditions can weaken the body's connective tissues and damage the aorta. People who have these conditions tend to develop aneurysms at a younger age and are at higher risk for rupture or dissection.

Trauma, such as a car accident, also can damage the aorta walls and lead to TAAs.

Researchers continue to look for other causes of aortic aneurysms. For example, they're looking for genetic mutations that may contribute to or cause aneurysms.

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Who Is At Risk for an Aneurysm?

Certain factors put you at higher risk for an aortic aneurysm. These include:

Male gender. Men are more likely than women to have abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs)-the most common type of aneurysm.

Age. The risk for AAAs increases as you get older. These aneurysms are more likely to occur in people who are 65 or older.

Smoking. Smoking can damage and weaken the walls of the aorta.

Family history of aortic aneurysm. People who have family histories of aortic aneurysm are at higher risk of having one, and they may have aneurysms before the age of 65.

Certain diseases and conditions that weaken the walls of the aorta.

Car accidents or trauma also can injure the arteries and increase your risk for an aneurysm.

If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your doctor about whether you need to be screened for aneurysms.