What causes an aortic aneurysm?

CTSurgeryPatients.org

The exact cause of an aortic aneurysm is often difficult to determine, but many factors potentially can contribute to the development of an aortic aneurysm. Some of the most common conditions associated with aneurysm formation are:

congenital or genetic causes for weakness of the artery wall (present from birth)
changes in the aorta due to advanced age
connective tissue disorders such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
inflammation of the aorta
hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) where fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) clog the arteries
injury from falls or motor vehicle accidents
untreated infection such as syphilis or salmonella

In some cases, aneurysms run in families and are classified as “familial," so several members of extended families may be affected by aneurysms in different locations.

This content originally appeared online in "The Patient Guide to Heart, Lung, and Esophageal Surgery" from the Society of Thoracic Surgery.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Aneurysms

Aneurysms form balloons in weakened arteries of our bodies, potentially causing life-threatening problems such as a stroke. Although aneurysms can form in any weakened artery, they commonly occur in the arteries of the brain and in the aorta, the central artery that extends from your heart through the center of your abdomen and chest. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, can weaken the arteries, which deliver oxygenated blood from our heart to the rest of our bodies. The pressure of blood traveling through the arteries can lead to this balloon-like bulge. You can have an aneurysm for years without symptoms or problems. Others can have an aneurysm that pops, which can lead to a stroke if bleeding occurs in the brain. Ruptured aneurysms must be treated quickly, usually within minutes, or it can become deadly: about 50% of all ruptured aneurysms are fatal.

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