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Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic Aneurysm - Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of aortic aneurysms

While the exact cause of aortic aneurysms is unknown, ageing and chronic health conditions can lead to a weakening of the aortic wall, which can then bulge under the pressure of blood flowing through the aorta.

These chronic conditions include:

Hypertension or high blood pressure
Infection or inflammation in the aorta
Coronary atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) due to diabetes, chronic smoking, high blood cholesterol or lipids
Genetic or congenital conditions, such as Marfan’s syndrome (a connective tissue disorder)

Risk factors of aortic aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm usually occurs in:

The middle-aged and elderly, of around aged 50 and above
Smokers bear a significantly higher risk

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms is recommended for current or past male smokers over the age of 65.

Congenital conditions, such as Marfan’s syndrome and bicuspid aortic valves, may also weaken aortic walls, diminishing their ability to withstand the sheer forces of blood flowing through them.

Aortic Aneurysm - Preparing for surgery

Aortic Aneurysm - Post-surgery care

Updated on 2022-11-07T16:00:00Z
Article contributed by Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore

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