An aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or bulging of an artery caused by damage or weakness in a blood vessel wall. If left untreated, the vessel can burst and become deadly. The most common aneurysms are in the abdominal part of the aorta and they are responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all deaths in men over 65. They are most common in men over age 50 and risk factors include family history, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and smoking. There are no symptoms and it is usually found during routine physical exams. Aortic aneurysms can be treated surgically, which involves replacing the weake