Abdominal aneurysm

• Fact: Men are four times more likely than women to develop this type of aneurysm, and male smokers and seniors are at the highest risk.
• Proportion of risk that’s in your genes: 72 percent.
• What you can do: If you’re at high risk, your doctor may recommend regular screening with ultrasound examinations. It is best to find an aneurysm early, before it ruptures, as surgery, if indicated, is more successful then. Our genetic test can help you determine your genetic risk.
• Did you know? The longer you’ve smoked, the greater your risk of developing an abdominal aneurysm.

An abdominal aneurysm is a weakened, bulging area in the aorta, the major vessel that feeds blood to the body. Most aneurysms are small, grow slowly and cause no symptoms. Those that rupture, however, can result in life-threatening bleeding. Each year, nearly 14,000 Americans die of a ruptured abdominal aneurysm.

This condition is diagnosed in 200,000 people in the United States each year. It is the most common form of aortic aneurysm, which can also occur in the chest. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are rare in people under the age of 60.

Abdominal aneurysms usually stem from a mix of genetic and behavioral causes, with genes being mostly to blame. Our genetic testing service looks at one place on a person’s genome where a single-letter difference in the genetic code can considerably raise the risk of developing an aneurysm.

Having a good understanding of your overall genetic risk of abdominal aneurysm can help you and your doctor determine whether you should undergo screening for abdominal aneurysm, and can encourage you to take the steps necessary to improve your odds – and your health.

Although your genes contribute the most to your risk, preventing abdominal aneurysm – or at least slowing the rate of enlargement – is not impossible. Keeping your blood pressure under control, getting regular exercise, reducing cholesterol and fat in your diet, and abstaining from smoking are all helpful in preventing and controlling abdominal aneurysm. If testing for abdominal aneurysm leads to early detection,  the condition can be treated before it becomes life-threatening.