Do aortic aneurysms cause or lead to heart attacks?

No: Heart attacks are caused by a blockage in one of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart. Usually this is caused by a clot that forms inside the artery. Aortic aneurysms do not affect this process however, if the aneurysm develops a tear (known as a dissection) the tear can block one of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart, causing a heart attack.

Yes: If ascending aortic aneurysm forms a dissection. The flap can close one of the coronary arteries and give a heart attack.