Smoking is the strongest risk factor. It can weaken the aortic walls, increasing the risk not only of developing an aortic aneurysm , but of rupture. The longer and more you smoke or chew tobacco, the greater the chances of developing an aortic aneurysm.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm. A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs along the part of the aorta that passes through the chest cavity.

In some cases, an individual may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Having an aortic aneurysm increases your risk of developing an aortic dissection. Abdominal aortic aneurysm. This can happen in the portion of your aorta that passes through your abdomen.
There are usually no telltale signs to warn you that something is wrong. An aortic aneurysm is an outpouching or bulging of the aorta, which is the largest artery in the human body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body.
Arteriosclerosis is the most common cause of an aortic aneurysm , and smoking is a major risk factor for their development.
