Many Americans suffer from a condition known as an aneurysm. By definition, an aneurysm is an abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel. It especially is known to occur in an artery. The main blood vessel in a person's body is called the aorta.

The aorta carries blood from a person's heart to the rest of the body. The vessel reaches from a person's chest into the abdomen. The first part of this artery is called the abdominal aorta.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common condition that can result in a significant problem. Aneurysms are more common in men and the elderly. The main cause of an aneurysm is smoking. The second cause of an aneurysm is high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is most simply described as a buildup of fat in the blood vessels.

Unfortunately, most people do not know that they have had an aneurysm, as they often have no symptoms. It only is after the aneurysm starts to be a problem that symptoms can be present.

Men who smoke -- especially those who smoke and have a family history of aneurysm -- are at more risk of having an aneurysm. This fact makes older men subject to an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which can be diagnosed with an ultrasound. An ultrasound is an imaging process that uses sound waves. It is not an X-ray procedure. In fact, it is recommended that older men who are smokers or who have smoked have an aortic ultrasound performed at least once in a lifetime.

If a person is found to have an aneurysm, it often can be tracked by a doctor. However, when the aneurysm reaches the size of 5 centimeters, then the risk of the aneurysm leaking or bursting increases. It is at 5 centimeters that most authorities believe an aneurysm should be repaired.

A person at risk for an aneurysm should see a doctor for a complete evaluation.
