Aneurysms

Sections

Causes

Risk factors for aneurysms include:

  • Age and gender: some aneurysms are more common in older men
  • Family history: researchers suggest that genetic mutations may contribute to the development of aneurysms
  • Smoking: both former and current smokers
  • High blood pressure
  • Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, inside the arteries)
  • Obesity
  • Alcoholism
  • Car accidents
  • Chest trauma 
  • Prior aneurysms

Decreased risk of an abdominal aneurysm is associated with:

  • Female gender
  • Non-white race
  • Diabetes

Last Updated November 2016