ABSTRACT
An aneurysm is an abnormal dilatation of a vessel. The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) increases with age: they are common in older men and can often be fatal. AAA are said to arise as a consequence of arteries becoming stiffer, wider, longer and, most importantly, calcified. This can lead to dilatation in the arteries; once the artery is >150% of its normal diameter, it is said to be aneurysmal. The stiffness can be attributed to the build up of atheromatous plaques due to hyperlipidaemia.
