Who Is At Risk for an Aneurysm?
Populations Affected
Men are 5 to 10 times more likely than women to have
an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)-the most common type of aneurysm.
The risk of AAA increases as you get older, and it
is more likely to occur in people between the ages of 60 to 80. A peripheral
aneurysm also is more likely to affect people ages 60 to 80. Cerebral (brain)
aneurysms, though rare, are more likely to occur in people ages 35 to 60.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk for aneurysm
include:
- Atherosclerosis,
a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
- Smoking. You are eight times more likely to
develop an aneurysm if you smoke.
- Overweight or obesity.
- A family history of aortic aneurysm, heart
disease, or other diseases of the arteries.
- Certain diseases that can weaken the wall of the
aorta, such as:
- Marfan
syndrome (an inherited disease in which tissues don't develop
normally)
- Untreated syphilis (a very rare cause
today)
- Tuberculosis (also a very rare cause
today)
- Trauma such as a blow to the chest in a car
accident.
- Severe and persistent
high
blood pressure between the ages of 35 and 60. This increases the risk for a
cerebral aneurysm.
- Use of stimulant drugs such as cocaine.
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