The force exerted by blood against the walls of an artery, coupled with damage or injury to those walls, can result in the formation of an aneurysm.
Several factors contribute to the weakening and damage of the walls of the aorta, leading to aortic aneurysms.
Ageing, smoking, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup) are primary contributors to the weakening or damage of the aorta’s walls.
Infections, such as untreated syphilis, and diseases that inflame blood vessels, like vasculitis, are rare but potential causes of aortic aneurysms.
Family history can also predispose individuals to aortic aneurysms.
Additionally, certain genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vascular type) weaken connective tissues in the body, increasing the risk of developing thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) at a younger age.
Trauma, such as that resulting from a car accident, can also damage the walls of the aorta, leading to TAAs.
Researchers are actively exploring other potential causes of aortic aneurysms, including genetic mutations that may contribute to or trigger their development.