Aortic aneurysm is a condition in which a weakened area of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes enlarged. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Aortic aneurysms can be caused by a number of factors, including:
1. High blood pressure: High blood pressure causes the walls of the aorta to become weakened and stretched, making them more susceptible to aortic aneurysms.
2. Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis, a condition in which fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of arteries, can cause the walls of the aorta to become weakened and more likely to form an aneurysm.
3. Genetics: Aneurysms can also be caused by genetic conditions, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
4. Injury: A traumatic injury to the chest or abdomen can cause an aortic aneurysm.
5. Infections: Certain infections, such as syphilis or tuberculosis, can weaken the walls of the aorta and lead to an aneurysm.
No matter what the cause, an aortic aneurysm can become life-threatening if it is not detected and treated in a timely manner. If the aneurysm continues to grow, it could burst, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.