You may have an increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm because of your age, family history,
Genes
lifestyle habits, medical conditions or sex.
Age
Your risk of aortic aneurysms increases as you age. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are most common in adults after age 65.
Family history and genetics
One in 10 people with abdominal aortic aneurysms have a family history of them. The chance of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm is 1 in 5 for people who have a parent, brother, sister or child with the condition, what is known as a first-degree relative.
More family etc
genetics
conditions increase your risk of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. These include:
Lifestyle habits
Some lifestyle habits increase your risk of developing an aortic aneurysm. These include:
- Cigarette smoking is one of the main factors that increase your risk of an aortic aneurysm, especially an abdominal aortic aneurysm. If you are a current smoker, an abdominal aortic aneurysm may grow faster and be more likely to rupture.
- Stimulants such as cocaine, increase your blood pressure and your risk of an aortic aneurysm.
Medical conditions
Medical conditions that are risk factors for aortic aneurysms include:
- Aneurysms of blood vessels in other parts of your body
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart diseaseand peripheral artery disease
- Unhealthy cholesterol in the blood level
- High blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms, but also a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysms
- Bacterial infections, which is a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms.
- kidney diseases, such as kidney failure, chronic kidney diseaseand polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity
- Pheochromocytoma, a rare one of the adrenal gland, which can lead to high blood pressure
- Trauma, from car accidents or falls, which is a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms
- Vasculitis
Sex
Men are more likely than women to develop aortic aneurysms. However, an existing aneurysm is more likely to rupture at a smaller size in women than in men.
Race and ethnicity
Aortic abdominal aneurysms are less common in Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian Americans.
