Who Is At Risk for an Aneurysm?

Certain factors put you at higher risk for an aortic aneurysm. These include:

• Male gender. Men are more likely than women to have abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs)-the most common type of aneurysm.
• Age. The risk for AAAs increases as you get older. These aneurysms are more likely to occur in people who are 65 or older.
• Smoking. Smoking can damage and weaken the walls of the aorta.
• Family history of aortic aneurysm. People who have family histories of aortic aneurysm are at higher risk of having one, and they may have aneurysms before the age of 65.
• Certain diseases and conditions that weaken the walls of the aorta. For more information, see "What Causes an Aneurysm?"

Car accidents or trauma also can injure the arteries and increase your risk for an aneurysm.

If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your doctor about whether you need to be screened for aneurysms.