An aortic aneurysm is the dilation, bulging or ballooning out of part of the wall of the aorta, the artery through which blood flows out of the heart to the body. Aneurysms may occur along the length of the aorta as it runs from the heart, through the chest and down through the abdomen. Aneurysms that occur in the abdomen are known as abdominal aortic aneurysms, and aneurysms that occur in the chest are known as thoracic aortic aneurysms. Both are considered very dangerous conditions and require careful monitoring and sometimes medication or surgical therapy.

The causes and treatments of aortic aneurysms are related to the kind of aneurysm. The greatest risk factor for either kind of aneurysm is age. Studies have estimated that up to 9 percent of people over age 60 have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Beyond age, the presence of aortic aneurysms may be associated with a number of factors. For example, there is evidence that thoracic aortic aneurysms are closely connected to such diseases as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”), Marfan syndrome, and chronic infections such as syphilis or tuberculosis.

Possible factors associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms include atherosclerosis, genetic abnormalities and possibly a malfunction of certain tissues caused by inflammation. The dangers of both types of aneurysm are also greatly aggravated by smoking. Quitting smoking is a very important part of therapy for an aortic aneurysm.

The majority of aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms. While still small, these aortic aneurysms may be managed by controlling high blood pressure, especially with medications called beta blockers. However, larger aortic aneurysms may require surgery to prevent the aortic aneurysm from rupturing (a potentially fatal event). According to the American Heart Association, about 15,000 people die every year from ruptured aortic aneurysm.

In addition to the aorta, any other large blood vessel in the body may develop aneurysms. These blood vessels include those that provide blood to the lower extremities, heart muscle or brain (a cerebral aneurysm).