An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel, and can be dangerous because of the risk of bursting. The aorta is the main artery that leads away from the heart. When the it develops aneuryms, they typically occur in the abdomen below the kidneys, but can also occur in the chest cavity. This can happen because of atherosclerosis,  which is the weakening of the aortic wall by plaque. Aneurysms may also be heredity.

Aneurysms can be detected by X-ray or various imaging techniques such as echocardiographies, MRIs, and/or computed tomography scans. Small aneurysms may not show any symptoms, but others can be very painful in the area of the aneurysm. The larger the aneurysm, the more likely it is to burst. Aneurysms are treated with surgery, where a patch or artificial piece of blood vessel is placed where the aneurysm was to strengthen the aorta and prevent future bursting.