An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to abnormally balloon out or widen. In people who have Marfan syndrome, this is most likely to happen at the aortic root — where the artery leaves your heart. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. This is a medical emergency. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. Treatment of dissecting aneurysms of aorta without surgery. The thumb-palm test is not a guarantee that you have an aneurysm, and not all aneurysm patients have stretchy thumbs. Dr. 36 These patients with. If your thoracic aortic aneurysm is small, your health care provider may recommend medicine and imaging tests to watch the aneurysm. 0 cm. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. There are several causes of aneurysm dilatation such as direct trauma, chronic infections, acute infections, inflammatory. Objectives: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in a hostile neck has been associated with adverse outcomes. Talk to your primary care provider about whether you should be screened. A simple thumb test can help indicate whether a person is harboring a hidden aortic aneurysm — which can prove fatal if left undetected and untreated, new. The thumb-palm test is not a guarantee that you have an aneurysm, and not all aneurysm patients have stretchy thumbs. Growing rapidly, about ¼ inch over the last six to 12 months. c process, medical issues, and the available exercise training literature, and provides recommendations for performing regular exercise. See how you save!Inherited thoracic aortopathies denote conditions in which abnormalities lead to thoracic aortic wall weakness or abnormal aortic hemodynamic profiles, predisposing patients to aortic dilatation, aneurysm formation, and acute aortic complications. deaths. It forms as a sac of blood. This study supports the utility of the thumb-palm test in evaluation for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. There are several causes of aneurysm dilatation such as direct trauma, chronic infections, acute infections, inflammatory. This accumulation, called atherosclerosis, is one of the leading causes of stroke. It can be serious if it's not spotted early on because it could get bigger and. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. Finding an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures offers your best chance of recovery. 1,2 Aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until they rupture. 1 Even when considering just the “sporadic” aneurysms (ie, aneurysms in which there is no evidence of a syndromic, familial, or known genetic etiology), a. This test uses X-rays and computer technology to make horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. An aneurysm is a bulging, weak area in the wall of a blood vessel. They usually cause no symptoms except when ruptured. Positive Predictive Value of the Thumb-Palm Test for General Population Screening of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Am J Cardiol . A carotid ultrasound is done to test for narrowed carotid arteries, which boost the danger of stroke. S. If a blood clot breaks loose from the inside wall of an aneurysm, it can block a blood vessel elsewhere in the body. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. Electrocardiogram (ECG) These tests are almost always done but are not enough to fully identify an aortic aneurysm or dissection (tear). 08. If the. “Only a minority of patients with aneurysms have a positive test,”. Thumb test for aneurysm. An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. The diagnosis can be made according to the 2010 revised Ghent criteria (Table 2) [3], which place particular focus on the cardiovascular manifestations (aortic root aneurysm and/or dissection), ectopia lentis, and molecular genetic testing of FBN1. How the Thumb Test Indicates Aortic Aneurysm - Woman's World Health This Simple ‘Thumb Test’ Can Help Ward Off a Serious (and Sneaky) Heart Condition. 4%) and non-AscAA disease in 246 (80. Elefteriades says aortic aneurysms are more common than we used to think, and they can happen with no warning. 9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Thumb test for aortic aneurysms. Blood pressure evaluation. Some people are born with them. 1965; 50: 364–373. Numbness in the thumb can also happen if the nerve supply to the thumb and hand is injured or affected by a medical condition. This buildup, called atherosclerosis, is among the leading sources of stroke. A simple "thumb palm test" may indicate whether someone has an ascending aortic aneurysm, or a potentially fatal ballooning of a large artery in the heart. A simple test of the thumb will help determine if someone is suffering from an aortic aneurysm that is hiddenthat could be fatal if not identified and untreated, a new study shows. Categories. Hoarseness. For instance, risks of aortic rupture. The. Overview. g. The thoracic aorta consists of the aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and the descending aorta. Abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment options may include: Endovascular repair. If an aneurysm ruptures or causes an aortic dissection, you may experience a sudden onset of severe symptoms including: sudden severe chest or upper back pain, sometimes described as a tearing or ripping feeling. Ischemic stroke. It may occur in any blood vessel, but most often develops in an artery rather than a vein. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as an aorta having a diameter of at least one and a-half times the normal diameter of the aorta at the level of the renal arteries [1]. Carotid arteries are generally narrowed by a build-up of plaque – comprised of. Request PDF | On Dec 1, 2021, John A. 6%) with ascending aortic aneurysm as diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. An MRI scan: This uilizes very strong. Thumb palm test aneurysm. 5%) but high specificity (98. The three types of aortic aneurysms include: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), an aneurysm in the lower part of the aorta. The most common site for an aortic aneurysm is the abdominal aorta, followed by the ascending and descending segments of the thoracic. Thumb Test Aortic Aneurysm. To make the diagnosis your provider may order some tests. The thumb-palm test is. So it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of surgery before making a decision. A simple test using one’s thumb might be the unassuming key that uncovers a serious heart condition: an ascending aortic aneurysm. Atherosclerotic aortic wall damage has. Aneurysms of the aortic root and ascending aorta are typically diagnosed at younger patient ages than aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta (60 versus 72 years, respectively). You’re more at risk if you: are male and aged 65 or over. 9 may differ. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organsIt is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. This treatment is most often used to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. One way to detect aortic aneurysm with thumb-palm test. Test midface stability—grasp upper incisors and move anteroposterior. Glenn Professor of Surgery at Yale University and director emeritus of the Aortic Institute. This review addresses the clinical use of common imaging tests for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in three clinical situations: screening, surveillance in a patient with an AAA, and evaluation of a symptomatic patient. A simple “thumb palm test” may indicate whether someone has an ascending aortic aneurysm, or a potentially fatal ballooning of a large artery in the heart, researchers say, suggesting the test be. An unusual pulsing sensation, pain, or a lump anywhere blood vessels are. An ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, angiogram,. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the easiest type to identify and follow, Brown says. 03. This test shows if the diameter of your aorta is bigger than it should be. 4 and 7. If you have an aortic aneurysm, you can live with it and you’d have to do what you could to prevent a split or rupture. doi: 10. Some people are born with them. In other words, the majority of aneurysm patients do not manifest a positive thumb-palm sign, but patients who do have a positive sign have a very high likelihood of harboring an. The diagnosis may be confused with renal calculus, diverticulitis, incarcerated hernia, or. We conducted the thumb-palm test in 305 patients undergoing cardiac surgery with intra-operative (TEE) for a variety of disorders: ascending aneurysm in 59 (19. Thumb palm test for aortic aneurysm. Thumb Palm Aneurysm Test. Smaller aneurysms under surveillance typically grow by 10% per year. Introduction. deaths. Pain in the chest or back. Additional symptoms that may accompany an aortic dissection include: Abdominal pain, which can arise if the dissection extends into the abdominal aorta. 0 in women. S. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. Walk In Lab Health Screening: Thumb Test For Aortic Aneurysms. Thumb palm aneurysm test. Many syndromes include a. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. Carotid arteries are generally narrowed by a buildup of plaque – composed of fat,. Feel your skin to see if it's clammy. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that one-time, ultrasound-based abdominal aortic aneurysm. An arterial aneurysm is defined as a permanent. We suggest that the thumb-palm test be part of the standard physical examination, especially in patients with suspicion of ascending aortic aneurysm (e. 08. However, the symptoms may be vague, and the abdominal mass may be missed. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a safe, painless treatment that uses acoustic waves to take a look at the blood flow via the carotid arteries. CTA: This is a special type of CT scan that focuses on the blood vessels. Finding an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures offers your best chance of recovery. 5 centimeters in diameter is found, it should be followed for 6 to 12 months to. 1-4. When an aneurysm develops, the aorta expands and its walls become weaker. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are most common in adults after age 65. aortic root diameter >55 mm. 5%) but high specificity (98. amjcard. The causes of aneurysms are sometimes unknown. The aneurysm is growing quickly, 0. Thumb test aortic aneurysm. The other is in the abdomen and is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The bulge is caused by a weak section in the artery wall. A simple thumb test could be used to identify people at risk of a condition that can kill in minutes and has no symptoms. We have noted informally that many patients who are referred to our institution with documented thoracic aortic aneurysms can cross their thumb beyond the edge of the flat palm—a positive ‘thumb-palm’ test—even in the absence of other stigmata of Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue diseases. a Elastica van. loss of consciousness. Key takeaways: An aneurysm is the outpouching or ballooning out of a blood vessel that occurs when the wall of the blood vessel becomes weak and stretched out. Just stick out your hand like you're telling someone to stop, and then see how far your thumb can stretch across your palm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling (aneurysm) of the aorta – the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart, down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. Some aortic aneurysms are hereditary or congenital, such as bicuspid aortic valve, infection or inflammatory conditions. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. Reduce the amount of sodium and cholesterol in your diet. those with a positive family history. 9 Up to 60% occur at the aortic root (ie, aortic root dilation) or in the ascending aorta, and the remainder in the descending thoracic aorta. Symptoms may include groin pain, syncope, paralysis, and flank mass. This is due to an embolus (moving blood clot) that is formed by the abdominal aneurysm and affects the surface temperature of. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. Trouble swallowing due to pressure on the esophagus. Key factors to avoiding an aneurysm or preventing one from rupturing include monitoring your. In the UK, around 1 in 70 men over 65yrs have an AAA and over 3,000 deaths occur each year. 5 centimeters in diameter is found, it should be followed for 6 to 12 months to. It may be used to check for a number of conditions. Thumb test aneurysm. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. Ischemic stroke. Aortic aneurysm is the second most prevalent aortic disease following atherosclerosis and. The thumb-palm test is. 5 times its normal size. If they burst, abdominal aortic aneurysms can be fatal. Thumb test aortic aneurysm. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a risk-free, painless treatment that uses acoustic waves to examine the blood flow through the carotid arteries. A negative test does not exclude an aneurysm. Possible warning signs include: Pain in your jaw, neck, chest or upper back. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, transporting freshly oxygenated blood from the heart towards the awaiting cells. These data provide valuable mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm, reveal diagnostic markers, and identify new therapeutic targets. Rapid heart rate. Aortic aneurysm is a focal or diffuse dilatation of the aorta involving all three layers of the aortic wall. It may cause back or belly pain, or a pulsing feeling in your belly. m. Familial Aneurysm Syndrome Test Guide. A carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge in one of the arteries supplying blood to your brain and nearby structures. A study determined that the thumb palm test is effective in detecting how likely a person is to suffer an aortic aneurysm. The thinner it is, the more likely it is to rupture, which is much like an over inflated balloon that is at high risk of popping. 36 These patients with a positive thumb. Thumb-palm test. Aortic aneurysm is characterized by a permanent increase in the diameter of the aorta (>50% increase). This occurs because of the weak connective tissues observed in people with aortic aneurysms enabling the thumb to protrude the. All in favor of a test for aortic aneurysms, raise your hand. 4%) and non-AscAA disease in 246 (80. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. Thumb palm test for aneurysm. Just stick out your hand like you're telling someone to stop, and then see how far your thumb can stretch across your palm. Blood pressure - keep your blood pressure. , 2016). 1 It occurs when the abdominal aortic wall weakens, causing it to bulge or balloon. If you do, your provider will recommend additional ultrasounds at regular intervals (usually. S. An aneurysm is defined as a segmental, full-thickness dilation of a blood vessel 50 percent greater than its normal diameter [ 2,3 ]. 5 times normal size. Introduction. We calculated the accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the thumb palm test in determining presence or absence of AscAA (defined as ascending aortic diameter > 3. A simple thumb test that you can do from the comfort of your own home can reveal if you're at risk of a deadly heart problem. Others relate to personal habits. L. An AAA is a bulge in the part of your aorta that travels through your belly (abdominal aorta). 1016/j. Photo illustration by WeBeFit; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; Email; Print; Copy article link; Save;. Health (969) Beauty (420) Fitness (797) Diet (284) Golf (1129) Travel (188) Home Decor (140) Latest Posts. CT and MR angiography are the optimal imaging modalities to detect TAAs, determine the aortic diameter, and identify rupture or. 5–2% of the population worldwide have the possibility to be attacked by this disease, which 75% of them are male (Dargis et al. A carotid ultrasound is done to evaluate for narrowed carotid arteries, which boost the threat of stroke. Thoracoabdominal aneurysm, a complex aneurysm that involves branches of the abdominal aorta that supply blood to the liver, intestines and kidneys. Testing tests can discover illness early, when they’re much easier to deal with. The aorta – the body’s largest artery that is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away. An aneurysm is defined as a focal dilatation of a blood vessel involving all 3 layers of the vessel wall. Arterial tortuosity and aortic aneurysms Cleft palate/bifid uvula Hypertelorism. If the thumb extends past the very edge of the flat palm (don’t flex your palm!), this may indicate a hidden aneurysm. In the United States, the estimated prevalence is 1. 4. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. Methods: This was a retrospective. “Our study showed that the majority of aneurysm patients do not manifest a positive thumb-palm sign, but patients who do have a positive test have a high likelihood of harboring an aneurysm,” What if there were a simple, free test you do with your thumb and hand that could save your life? CBS2's Dr. A carotid ultrasound is done to check for tightened carotid arteries, which boost the risk of stroke. 4), and >3000. Dizziness or lightheadedness. Occasionally if the aneurysm becomes large, it can cause back pain or a. Surgery can prevent that from happening, but carries risks of its own. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or problems. It is not known how accurate this test may be. 1-10 Population-based studies in men older than 60 years have. As an aortic aneurysm grows, you might notice symptoms including: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. With increasing use of endovascular techniques for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, the prevalence of leakage into excluded aneurysm sacs (endoleaks) as a complication has risen. deaths. And 0. 2. There are two locations of aortic aneurysms. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can happen anywhere below the diaphragm. Get screened for a stroke and cardiovascular disease risk near by. This build up, called atherosclerosis, is just one of the leading root causes of stroke. Ischemic stroke. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, transporting freshly oxygenated blood from the heart towards the awaiting cells. If it becomes significantly large it can lead to catastrophic complications. 0 cm, or 1. The most common emergency test for aortic aneurysm involves a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, and possibly abdomen and pelvis, depending on the case. . The thumb-palm test is not a guarantee that you will have an aneurysm, and not all aneurysm patients have stretchy thumbs. “Only a minority of patients with aneurysms have a positive test. 3 For any given patient. 030. It is estimated that an. A negative test does not exclude an aneurysm. According to a Yale News report, aortic aneurysms are the 13 th most common cause of U. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the anticipated incremental risk of a concomitant aortic resection performed with an aortic valve replacement. If your thumb can stretch beyond the edge of your hand, it is an indicator your joints may be lax, you may have connective tissue disease, and that can be a sign of a. Although "normal" diameter varies with age, sex, and body habitus, the average diameter of the human infrarenal aorta is approximately 2. Your two carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck. An aneurysm may be located in many areas of the body, such as blood. By Daniel Reynen Citizen Health Columnist; Dec 16, 2021 Dec 16, 2021; Facebook; Twitter;Thumb palm test for aortic aneurysm. [1] An aneurysm occurs when the typical diameter of the artery increases by 50%. Maximal ascending aortic. The majority of true aneurysms were due to repetitive micro-trauma from occupational injury, for example metal work, radiography and professional golf. These aneurysms are usually asymptomatic until they rupture which is a catastrophic complication. Aneurysm Thumb Palm Test. One in 10 people with abdominal aortic aneurysms have a family history of them. There are two primary types of aortic aneurysms. One, in the chest, is a thoracic aortic aneurysm. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. Ischemic stroke. An aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta and as the aorta enlarges, it becomes thinner. The prevalence of AAAs varies according to race and gender and increases with age. We will describe and illustrate the imaging findings for endoleaks involving abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. A test known as the thumb-palm test, is used to help detect aortic aneurysm. Aortic Thumb Test. An aneurysm may occur in any blood vessel, but is most often seen in an artery rather than a vein. Cardiol. 2 For guidance on other preoperative tests, see the NICE guideline on routine preoperative tests for elective surgery. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are the easiest type to identify and follow, Brown says. If you are unsure that you are at risk for having an aortic aneurysm, then you can do a thumb-palm test to determine whether you are at risk or not. 4. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. During exercise, individuals with large aneurysms may be at greater risk of an. Thumb test for aneurysm. If the thumb goes beyond the edge of the palm, it is indicative of an aortic aneurysm. MFS is associated with disorders of the cardiovascular system (e. Pectus excavatum or chest asymmetry — 1. 029. If an aneurysm smaller than 5. A negative test does not exclude an aneurysm. Thumb test for aneurysm. Faster growing aneuryms should be considerd for intervention sooner than the usual operative. The aorta can be affected by either chronic or acute conditions, with aneurysms and atherosclerosis being the most common chronic conditions, while acute conditions include aortic dissection, aortic ulcer, and aortic hematomas []. Introduction. The correlation between AAA and carotid artery plaque is unknown and a common etiology and pathophysiology is suspected by some authors. Sudden, severe chest pain, abdominal pain or back pain. The results can aid your physician identify a therapy to decrease your stroke threat. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a focal enlargement of the thoracic aorta, but the etiology of this disease is not fully understood. A simple “thumb palm test” may indicate whether someone has an ascending aortic aneurysm, or a potentially fatal ballooning of a large artery in the heart,. g. The test involves injecting dye that makes it easier to observe blood flow. Tenderness or pain in the chest. A surgeon inserts a thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, through an artery in the groin area and guides it to the aorta. No confirmatory test exists,. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are commonly found in men aged 65-85 years. Thumb test for aortic aneurysms. . Aneurysms can happen in any blood vessel. If a large aneurysm ruptures it can cause huge internal bleeding and is. Surgery is typically reserved for aortic aneurysms that are 5. A study has found a self-conducted test involving the thumb and palm of one hand could help alert people to their risk of having a hidden. A carotid ultrasound is performed to examine for tightened carotid arteries, which boost the danger of stroke. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. However, an aneurysm can occur in different parts of the aorta, including the abdominal section which runs into the arteries in the legs. All men aged 65 to 75 with a history of smoking should be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysms using an ultrasound test. Carotid arteries are generally tightened by a accumulation of plaque – made up of fat. The aortic valve stays in place. We suggest that the thumb-palm test be part of the standard physical examination, especially in patients with suspicion of ascending aortic aneurysm (e. A simple test of the thumb will help determine if someone is suffering from an aortic aneurysm that is hiddenthat could be fatal if not identified and untreated, a new study shows. An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. If you are unsure that you are at risk for having an aortic aneurysm, then you can do a thumb-palm test to determine whether you are at risk or not. 5%) for the thumb-palm test in detecting ascending aortic aneurysm. deaths. I71. A simple thumb test can help indicate whether a person is harboring a hidden aortic aneurysm — which can prove fatal if left undetected and untreated, new research reveals. The thumb-palm test is. S. Thumb Palm Test For Aneurysm. Dr. A study has found a self-conducted test involving the thumb and palm of one hand could help alert people to their risk of having a hidden aortic aneurysm. 2021 Dec 15;161:117-118. be ordered when there is a previous positive genetic test result in the family. A carotid ultrasound is carried out to examine for narrowed carotid arteries, which boost the threat of stroke. aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection are the most fearsome consequences - findings suggestive of higher risk of aortic dissection are: family history of aortic dissection. If the thumb crosses beyond the far edge of the flat. Some people have no symptoms, but others have facial swelling, hoarseness or a throbbing lump they can feel in their neck. Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter remains the standard clinical parameter to predict growth and rupture. An aneurysm can be categorized by its location, shape, and cause. Screenings are examinations that look for illness prior to you have signs and symptoms. Important advances have been made in the diagnosis and medical and surgical care of. Synonym: Ascending Aortic Dilation. The threshold for surgery is still a subject of debate but varies between 5. The pressure of blood leaving your heart can cause the wall of your aorta to bulge out, like a weak spot in a tire. 5 preventive health screenings: Carotid Artery Disease, PAD, AAA, Afib, Osteporosis. Doctors use multiple tests to confirm a brain aneurysm diagnosis: MRA: A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) scan is a type of MRI scan that's specifically for blood vessels. Thumb Test For Aortic Aneurysms. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a. Carotid (kuh-ROT-id) ultrasound is a safe, painless treatment that uses acoustic waves to take a look at the blood flow via the carotid arteries. It is a simple test you can do right now, and it could save your life. It is called an aortic aneurysm. Introduction. with one thumb pushing the trachea to one side while the other thumb and index finger feel deeply on either side of the SCM. This accumulation, called atherosclerosis, is one of the leading causes of stroke. About abdominal aortic aneurysms. Healthy food is near and around us. L. Carotid arteries are generally narrowed by a buildup of plaque – composed of fat,. These bulges develop in the part of the aorta that brings blood from the heart to the pelvic area, legs, and abdomen. Cardinal manifestations include proximal aortic aneurysm, dislocation of the ocular lens, and long-bone overgrowth. Doctors from Yale University claim that aortic aneurysms are the 13th highest cause of death in the US, responsible for 10,000 lives lost each year. A metal mesh tube on the end of the catheter is placed at the site of. The most common emergency test for aortic aneurysm involves a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest, and possibly abdomen and pelvis,. Thumb Palm Test Aortic Aneurysm. (FBC) test looks for abnormalities in the blood, such as unusually high or low numbers of blood cells. Causes of a Numb Thumb or Hand. They kill about 10,000 people each year and affect adults of all ages. 4% and 12. Between 2% and 8% of adults have abdominal aortic aneurysms, but they are most common among older male smokers. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the. g. Abdominal aortic aneurysms do not normally pose a serious threat to health, but rare large aneurysms can be very serious.