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Some are caused by infection and trauma; others are due to a defect present from birth. Most, however, are caused by high blood pressure or atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, a process that occurs throughout the body as a natural process of aging. Substances like fat, cholesterol, and calcium build up gradually on the insides of artery walls to form plaque. As plaque builds up, the artery becomes narrower, and the flow of blood through the artery becomes slower.
The increased blood pressure that results can weaken the artery wall and cause it to swell out like a balloon. As this swelling, or aneurysm, balloons out, the artery wall becomes thinner. The swelling is very dangerous: it can press on and damage surrounding organs, nerves, and other blood vessels; it can disturb the flow of blood and cause the formation of blood clots; and it can cause the artery to burst. If it bursts, the blood supply to a certain area of the body will be lost, and internal bleeding (hemorrhaging) will result.
More about aortic aneurysms>> 
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To find a doctor, contact St. Luke's Physician Referral service. Our specialists will help you find the right physician who accepts your insurance, and schedule your appointment quickly and conveniently.
You can reach Physician Referral by phone at 832-355-DOCS
(between 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday) or by completing a short online form. We do not charge a fee to you or to
our physicians for this service.
If you would like to select a doctor online, you can use our Find a Doctor page. Once you find the right physician you may request an appointment online. |
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