Risk factors

In general, aortic aneurysms occur more frequently in men and in people over age 60. Often there is a family history of aortic aneurysms or an association with bicuspid aortic valve (a congenital defect in the valve connecting the aorta to the heart), smoking, or high blood pressure. Some well-characterized genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome are associated with a high risk of aneurysm. But sometimes there is no apparent reason for this ballooning of the aorta.

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The primary risk factors for aortic aneurysms include the following.

• Prolonged hypertension. High blood pressure is the fuel of an aneurysm; having blood pressure that is not well controlled increases one's risk of developing an aortic aneurysm.
• Smoking. Smoking leads to degeneration of the elastic tissue all over the body, including that within the wall of the aorta, predisposing one to aortic aneurysm.
• Age. With time the wall of the aorta wears out; most people with aortic aneurysm are over age 40.
• Being male. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more prevalent in men.
• Family history. Thoracic aortic aneurysms tend to run in families, so it's important to inform immediate family members of your condition so that they can discuss the need to be evaluated for aortic aneurysm with their doctors.

There are also other medical conditions that can lead to or are associated with a weakened aorta, predisposing one to developing an aortic aneurysm. These include:

• Marfan syndrome, a disorder of the connective tissue, increases the risk for aortic aneurysms.
• Bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital heart defect, predisposes one to aortic aneurysm; up to 50 percent of the people with a bicuspid aortic valve also have an ascending aortic aneurysm.
• Inflammatory diseases including giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels, can predispose one to aortic aneurysms.
• Atherosclerosis can lead to inflammations of the aortic wall known as penetrating aortic ulcers, which can cause an aortic aneurysm and/or dissection.