What can cause an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Arteriosclerosis.: Atherosclerosis induced cystic medial necrosis is the most common cause of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis induced cystic medial necrosis is the most common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Weakening: We are not quite sure what actually causes an AAA to form in some people. The leading thought is that the aneurysm may be caused by inflammation in the aorta, which may cause its wall to weaken or break down. Most believe that this inflammation can be associated with atherosclerosis (also called hardening of the arteries) or risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as high blood pressure and smoking.

Run in families: Although it is not entirely clear as to what causes aneurysms, there is a definite familial predisposition to their development. If a parent or sibling has or have had an aneurysm, it is important to be checked. This can be done simply and easily with an ultrasound. Contact a vascular surgeon and have the test done at an icavl accredited vascular laboratory.