An aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic aneurysms can develop slowly over time, and the length of time they can exist before rupturing depends on several factors.
The size and location of the aneurysm are the most important factors in determining how long it can remain before it ruptures. Smaller aneurysms located further away from the heart tend to take longer to rupture, while larger aneurysms located closer to the heart can rupture more quickly. Aneurysms located in the abdominal aorta tend to take longer to rupture than those located in the thoracic aorta.
Age, medical history, and lifestyle can also influence how long an aortic aneurysm can exist before rupturing. People who are smokers, have high blood pressure, are obese, or have other medical conditions such as diabetes, are at higher risk of having their aneurysm rupture sooner.
In general, an aortic aneurysm can exist for weeks, months, or even years before it ruptures, depending on the size, location, and other factors. Regular monitoring of the aneurysm is recommended to prevent it from rupturing. Your doctor can recommend the best plan of monitoring for you depending on your individual circumstances.