Can a calcified abdominal aorta occur without high cholesterol?

Yes, it can.: This is a sign of atherosclerosis which is cholesterol build-up in the arteries. Treatment is to lower cholesterol, diet , exercise and drugs.

Yes: With hypertension and suboptimal genetics - or just suboptimal genetics - you can see calcific changes to the aorta particularly in older individuals .

Yes: Other culprits leading to abdominal aorta calcification include hyperparathyroidism, smoking, genetics, cigarette smoking, and hypertension. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/560864