(HealthDay News) -- Aneurysm is the medical term for a bulging area of an artery that's stretched out like a balloon. It occurs when the artery wall becomes weak or damaged.
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists these possible causes of an aneurysm:
- Being older.
- Having plaque buildup inside an artery (atherosclerosis).
- Having high blood pressure.
- Being a smoker.
- Having an infection or illness that leads to inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Having a family history of aneurysm.
- Having a genetic condition that weakens blood vessels.
- Sustaining an injury or trauma, such as being in a car accident.
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