Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
An abdominal aortic
Alternative Names
Aneurysm - aortic; AAA
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include:
- Smoking
High blood pressure - High cholesterol
- Male gender
- Emphysema
- Genetic factors
- Obesity
An abdominal aortic aneurysm can develop in anyone, but is most often seen in males over 60 who have one or more risk factors. The larger the aneurysm, the more likely it is to rupture and break open.
Review Date: 08/21/2009
Reviewed By: James Lee, MD, Department of Surgery, Columbia Presbyterian Medical
Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
