How are aortic aneurysms caused?

Aortic Aneurysms: It is not entirely clear exactly what causes aortic aneurysms, but we know of a few risk factors, probably the most significant of which is smoking. Other risk factors include atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. There is also a hereditary component, so these can run in families. There are also genetic syndromes such as Marfan's or ehlers-danlos which are associated. See a vascular surgeon.

Occur not caused: Congenital familial rare Marfan etc atherosclerosis and wall deterioration over time with dilation some after dissection some after trauma- more pseudoaneurysms from that.