What causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm to form? So, for anyone who has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, it is particularly important to make the lifestyle changes necessary to reduce that risk. Ann Transl Med. Aortic aneurysm is unusual at such a young age. Abdominal aortic aneurysms happen more often than thoracic aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the artery wall. Ruptured form of aortic aneurysm is a fatal type of surgical emergency and it has overall mortality rate equal to 90percent. These aneurysms are less likely to rupture or dissect than aortic aneurysms, but they can form blood clots. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) usually causes no symptoms. The exact cause of aortic aneurysms is not known. A number of factors can play a role in developing an aortic aneurysm, including: 1. This is likely because the heart pumps blood directly into the aorta, so this artery is subjected to higher pressures and more stress than other arteries. Several pathologies can cause part of the aortic wall to become weak, leading to the formation of an aneurysm. A diagnosis can be confirmed using an ultrasound scan. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014; 147:68. Back pain. Understanding the effects of tobacco smoke on the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm. The most common cause is an abdominal aortic aneurysm that has ruptured spontaneously. This risk is determined by several factors. Although aorta is a tough, durable workhorse, sometimes its walls can weaken and bulge in what is called an aortic aneurysm. https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm.html 2016;6(5):32217. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v6.32217, Causes and Risk Factors of Aortic Aneurysm, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) AAAs do not usually cause any obvious symptoms, and are often only picked up during screening or tests carried out for another reason. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common in men and among people age 65 and older. “Some people are predisposed to developing an aneurysm because of family history,” says Rachel. The exact cause isn't fully known. By using Verywell Health, you accept our. Certain risk factors and lifestyle choices greatly increase the risk of developing an aortic aneurysm. Atherosclerosis can develop when cholesterol and fat build up inside the arteries. Relative Importance Of Aneurysm Diameter And Body Size For Predicting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture In Men And Women. If the risk of rupture is high, early surgery should be strongly considered. But, atherosclerosis is thought to play an important role. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta. Smoking is the most important behavior related to aortic aneurysm. Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is strongly associated with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms.1 The risk factors for aortic aneurysms are identical to those of atherosclerosis, and taking steps to preventone helps to prevent the other. Sometimes people with inherited connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, get thoracic aortic aneurysms. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Smoking is the most important behavior related to aortic aneurysm. If an individual does have symptoms, they can include the following: Aneurysms can happen in other parts of your body. Aortic Aneurysm In Children And Adolescents: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment Post a comment by Lazar Vučetić, MD — Last updated: 2020-05-12 Atherosclerosis is strongly associated with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The risk factors for aortic aneurysms are identical to those of atherosclerosis, and taking steps to prevent one helps to prevent the other. Most of the aortic aneurysm ruptures within the retroperitoneal cavity leading to classical pain triad, hypotension and pulsatile type of mass. Certain well-defined inherited conditions, especially Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Turner syndrome lead to weakening of the wall of the aorta and aneurysm formation, particularly involving the thoracic aorta. In addition, several other, less-well-defined genetic conditions have been identified that also produce a high risk of aortic aneurysms. Diseases and unhealthy behaviors that damage your heart and blood vessels also increase your risk for aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm usually occurs in weak parts of the aorta and can grow larger owing to the pressure of blood against the weakened walls of the aorta. Ascending aortic aneurysms do not always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages and when small in size. Aortic aneurysm is called “The Silent Killer” because it can take people’s lives without any warning signs. A history of smoking accounts for about 75% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms. When you first begin blowing up a balloon, it is relatively difficult to get it started. Geisbüsch S, Stefanovic A, Schray D, Et Al. Norman PE, Curci JA. Some infectious diseases, such as syphilis. Men and women are equally likely to get thoracic aortic aneurysms, which become more common with increasing age.4. As they increase in size, thoracic aortic aneurysms may begin to cause … Lo Rc, Lu B, Fokkema Mt, Et Al. In some cases, an individual may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Aortic Aneurysm, Gish DS, Baer JA, Crabtree GS, Shaikh B, Fareedy SB. Occasionally, there may be abdominal, back, or leg pain. The enlarging of the aneurysm also contributes to the abdominal pain. Aortic aneurysm causes. Up to 80 percent of aortic aneurysms are caused by "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis). These degenerative changes are caused by abnormalities in the biology of the vessel wall and are most often characterized by cyst-like lesions in the medial layer (that is, the central layer) of the wall. Clouse WD, Hallett JW Jr., Schaff HV, Gayari MM, Ilstrup DM, Melton LJ 3rd. J Vasc Surg 2014; 59:1209. Having an aortic aneurysm increases your risk of developing an aortic dissection. This medical phrase continues to be mentioned online after it was cited as the cause of death of 23-year-old Christine Dacera in the first medico-legal report. Aortic aneurysms are also more prevalent in people with other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Thoracic aortic aneurysms may be caused by different disease processes, especially in respect to their location. Cystic medial degeneration is usually associated with aging, but it also can be seen in some younger people, presumably due to a genetic predisposition. Creager MA, Loscalzo J. Yiu Rs, Cheng Sw. Natural History And Risk Factors For Rupture Of Thoracic Aortic Arch Aneurysms. Your family may also have a history of aortic aneurysms that can increase your risk. This can cause it to bulge or swell, a bit like a balloon. Many of these risk factors are identical to the risk factors for atherosclerosis. What You Need to Know About Arteriosclerosis, Abdominal Aorta: Anatomy, Function, and Significance. All aortic aneurysm causes can be divided into two groups: Consequently, aortic aneurysms—especially thoracic aortic aneurysms—often seem to run in families, even if no specific genetic abnormality has yet been identified. These clots can break away and block blood flow through the artery. It is critical that anyone who has an aortic aneurysm quit smoking..