Risk Factors
Biggest Risk Factors
The biggest risk factors for developing a TAA are:
- Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries
- High blood pressure
Certain Diseases Increase the Risk
Certain diseases can also weaken layers of the aortic wall and increase the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms including:
- Marfan’s syndrome, a connective tissue disorder
- Other non-specific connective tissue disorders
- A family history of aneurysms
- Presence of a bicuspid aortic valve
- Syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- Age - The risk of TAA increases with age.
- Gender - Men are more likely than women to develop a TAA and are more likely to be affected with the condition at a younger age.
