How Smoking Increases Your Risk for Aortic Aneurysms

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the largest blood vessel in your body. When an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing aortic aneurysms.

Understanding Aortic Aneurysms

The aorta carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta but are most common in the abdominal section (abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA) and the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm). Many aneurysms grow slowly and may never rupture, but large or fast-growing aneurysms can be dangerous.

How Smoking Damages the Aorta

Cigarette smoking damages the aorta in several ways:

• Weakens the Aortic Wall: Chemicals in tobacco smoke break down elastin and collagen, the proteins that give the aortic wall its strength and flexibility.
• Promotes Atherosclerosis: Smoking accelerates the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls, which can weaken the aorta.
• Increases Blood Pressure: Smoking causes temporary spikes in blood pressure, putting additional stress on weakened areas of the aorta.
• Causes Inflammation: Smoking triggers chronic inflammation that damages blood vessel walls.
• Reduces Oxygen: Carbon monoxide from smoking reduces the oxygen available to repair damaged tissues.

The Statistics Are Clear

Research shows that:

• Smokers are 3-5 times more likely to develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm than nonsmokers.
• The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and years of smoking.
• Smoking is responsible for approximately 75% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms.
• Even former smokers remain at elevated risk, though the risk decreases over time after quitting.

Screening Recommendations

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men ages 65-75 who have ever smoked. If you have other risk factors or a family history, talk to your doctor about whether earlier or additional screening is appropriate.

The Best Prevention: Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is the single most important step you can take to reduce your risk of aortic aneurysm. Even if you've smoked for years, quitting now can slow the progression of existing aneurysms and reduce your overall cardiovascular risk. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation resources and support.