Is aortic aneurysm a common condition?

No but its not rare: Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common than thoracic . An aneurysm is defined as an enlargement of the aorta 1.5 x the normal diameter. The incidence is around 37 per 100, 000 patient yrs. There is a 3% prevalence in those over 50 yrs old. Male to female ratio of 9 to 1. Risk factors hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history and age.

Yes: Any blood vessel can dilate and become large enough to be called an aneurysm. Abdominal, infra renal are the most common. 5.5 -6 cm. Is a common size to intervene with an endograft or surgical, based on known natural history. The ascending and descending aorta can also be aneurysmal.