**An abdominal aortic aneurysm develops when the wall of your main abdominal artery weakens and bulges outward.**
The exact cause is often unknown, but smoking, high blood pressure, and inherited factors increase your risk. Your risk also rises with age, and the condition is more common in men. Having a parent or sibling with an aneurysm is a reason to discuss your risk with a clinician. Avoiding tobacco and managing your blood pressure support your artery health, although they cannot guarantee prevention.
Who is at risk
Common questions
What causes Abdominal aortic aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm forms when a weakened section of your aorta, the main artery running through your abdomen, stretches and bulges. The exact cause is often unknown. Smoking, high blood pressure, older age, male sex, and a family history increase your risk. You may have no symptoms, so ask a clinician whether an ultrasound screening is appropriate for your age and smoking or family history. Quitting smoking and controlling your blood pressure help protect your arteries. Call 911 for sudden, severe belly or back pain, especially with fainting.