Risk factors

Thoracic aortic aneurysm risk factors include:

• Age. Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur most often in people age 65 and older.
• Tobacco use. Tobacco use is a strong risk factor for the development of an aortic aneurysm.
• High blood pressure. Increased blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the body, raising your chances of developing an aneurysm.
• Buildup of plaques in your arteries. The buildup of fat and other substances that can damage the lining of a blood vessel increases your risk of an aneurysm. This is a more common risk in older people.
• Family history. People who have a family history of aortic aneurysm are at increased risk of having one. A family history means you may develop aneurysms at a younger age and you're at higher risk of rupture. This is a primary risk factor in younger people.
• Marfan syndrome and related conditions. If you have Marfan syndrome or a related condition, such as Loeys-Dietz syndrome or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, you have a significantly higher risk of a thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic or other blood vessel dissection or rupture.
• Bicuspid aortic valve. Nearly half of those who have an aortic valve with two cusps instead of three may develop an aortic aneurysm.