What Causes an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm can result from
atherosclerosis
(hardening and narrowing of the inside of arteries). As atherosclerosis
develops, the artery walls become thick and damaged and lose their normal inner
lining. This damaged area of artery can stretch or "balloon" from the pressure
of blood flow inside the artery, resulting in an aneurysm.
An aneurysm also can develop from constant
high
blood pressure inside an artery.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm can result from an injury
to the chest (for example, an injury that occurs from an auto crash). Certain
medical conditions, such as Marfan
syndrome, that weaken the body's connective tissues, also can cause
aneurysms.
In rare cases, infections such as untreated syphilis
(a sexually transmitted infection) can cause aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms
also can occur as a result of diseases that cause inflammation of blood
vessels, such as
vasculitis.
|