The aorta is the major vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. The three major controllable risk factors are smoking, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia. Heredity, male sex, and age are noncontrollable risk factors. Even in the absence of these factors, however, aneurysms can occur. The wall of the artery becomes weak and thin and has the potential to rupture if treatment is not provided.
Many patients experience minor if any symptoms.
Swelling may be present, or sometimes back pain or vague abdominal discomfort. Treatment may include surgical intervention by aneurysm repair, thrombolectomy to remove a clot, or a bypass to provide an alternative route for blood flow.