36^th European Heart and Heart Failure Congress

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a part of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. It is not clear exactly what causes aneurysms. Some aneurysms are present at birth (congenital). Defects in some parts of the artery wall may be a cause. High blood pressure is thought to play a role in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Atherosclerotic disease (cholesterol buildup in arteries) may also lead to the formation of some aneurysms. Aneurysms can form in any section of the aorta, but they are most common in the belly area. They can also happen in the upper body. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are also known as ascending or descending aortic aneurysms.