Are aortic abdominal aneurysms very common?

No, but: We don't see a lot of abdominal aortic aneurysms, but they are more common in men who have smoked. Preventive medicine guidelines suggest that all men who have smoked get a screening abdominal ultrasound at 55.

Somewhat: Not extremely but fairly common usually in older people with hypertension.

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.