RT Journal
A1 Zeller JL, Burke AE, Glass RM
T1 AOrtic aneurysms
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2009
FD November 11
VO 302
IS 18
SP 2050
OP 2050
DO 10.1001/jama.302.18.2050
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.302.18.2050
AB 
The aorta  is the body's largest artery and carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The wall of the aorta is very elastic and can normally stretch and then shrink back as needed to adapt to blood flow. However, some medical conditions can weaken the arterial wall. These factors, along with the wear and tear that naturally occurs with aging, can result in a weak aortic wall that may stretch and bulge outwards. An aortic aneurysm is a stretched and bulging section in the wall of the aorta. A bulging or enlarged vessel is weakened and can burst or rupture, resulting in life-threatening bleeding. This condition is the 10th leading cause of death in men 65 to 74 years of age in the United States.