- Cardiovascular issues
- Genetic conditions
- Family history
- Lifestyle
- Health patterns



Abdominal Aneurysm Contributing Health Conditions
Health conditions associated with an increased risk for an abdominal aneurysm include:Atherosclerosis
This condition occurs when there is a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances that create plaque buildup in the bloodstream. This causes vessels to harden and narrow. Atherosclerosis can develop during the young adult stage and becomes an issue later in life.


High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-type substance that is found in all the cells in the body. The body needs some cholesterol for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and substances to help digest foods. The body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Too much can build up in the blood vessels, which narrows the bloodstream and hardens the arterial walls.


High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension refers to a sustained increased force of blood moving through the aorta that can weaken artery walls. It is a common condition that is widespread among individuals that are older, those that smoke, and those that are overweight. There is an estimated 60-70% of individuals over 60 that are diagnosed with high blood pressure.


Inflamed Arteries
When the arteries become inflamed, it can cause blood flow constriction and cause the arterial walls to weaken. This increases the risk of an aneurysm. Arteries can get inflamed through:- Genetics
- High cholesterol
- Trauma/injury to the abdomen
- Arterial Disease/s like:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Vasculitis



Connective Tissue Disorders
There are hereditary conditions that can weaken the body’s connective tissues. This can lead to degeneration of the aortic walls and raise an individual’s risk for an aneurysm. Two of the most common connective tissue disorders are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects collagen production, and Marfan Syndrome. This condition increases the production of fibrillin, which is a protein that helps to build the elastic fibers in connective tissue.


Other Risk Factors
Additional health factors can strain the cardiovascular system. This increases the risk of weakening or damaging blood vessels. This significantly raises the chances of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Risk factors include:Smoking and Tobacco
All types of tobacco use can contribute to diminished cardiovascular health. Individuals that smoke or use some tobacco product pose a significantly higher risk of developing an abdominal aneurysm.Age
Aneurysms occur most often in older adults. This is because they are more likely to have cardiovascular issues and are more likely to have higher levels of plaque buildup.Genetics and Family History
Immediate relatives of an individual with an abdominal aneurysm often have a 12-19% chance of developing the condition.Lack of Physical Activity
Not getting adequate physical activity puts an individual at a higher risk for heart and cardiovascular disease. Aerobic activity done on a regular basis increases the heart rate and blood flow through the body. This keeps the tissues and blood vessels strong and flowing properly.Gender
Both men and women can develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, the majority of those that do develop the condition are men. This is because men are more likely to go through heart and cardiovascular issues.Diagnosis
Underlying conditions that can cause sciatic pain can vary or be a combination of several conditions. The most important action to take is to consult a doctor or chiropractic sciatica specialist for a clinical diagnosis. While rare, sciatica-type pain could be caused by medical conditions like:- Spinal tumor
- Spinal infection
- Cauda equina syndrome