Abdominal aortic aneurysm

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Aortic aneurysm

Aortic rupture, chest X-ray

An aneurysm is when a blood vessel becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. The abdominal aorta is a large blood vessel that supplies blood to your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.

Aneurysm - aortic

The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Emphysema
• Genetic factors
• Male gender

An abdominal aortic aneurysm can develop in anyone, but it is most frequently seen in males over 60 with one or more risk factors. The larger the aneurysm, the more likely it is to rupture.

When an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, it is a true medical emergency. Aortic dissection occurs when the innermost lining of the artery tears and blood leaks into the wall of the artery. This most commonly occurs in the aorta within the chest.

Review Date: 12/07/2006
Reviewed By: Janet L. Albright, MD, General & Vascular Associates, Reno, NV. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.