An aortic aneurysm is the dilation, bulging, or ballooning from the wall of the aorta, which is the artery through which blood flows out of the heart to the body. Aneurysms can develop wherever atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, occurs (Dawson, Haubrich, Weitzman, Procedures, Medtronic). An aneurysm can also stem from use of tobacco, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and emphysema, which is an abnormal distention of body tissues caused by retention of …showed first 75 words of 1064 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1064 total…-14. Weitzman, Lee B., M.D, FACC, FCCP. "Aortic Aneurysm." The Aneurysm Center. . Heart Center Online 03 November 2003 <http://www.heartcenteronline/> Medtronic. "Learn about the condition known as abdominal aortic aneurysm determine if you are at risk of AA." Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.. 03 November 2003 <http://www.medtronic.com/CH/static/aneurysm.html> Surgical Care Associates. "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery." Procedures. 03 November 2003 <http://www.aorticaneurysm.com/>