A weakening in
the wall of a portion of the aorta results in a balloon-like bulge as
blood flows
through the aorta. The blood flow within this bulging area of the aorta
becomes very
turbulent. Over time this turbulence can cause the dilated area to
increase in
size, creating an aneurysm. The aneurysm can rupture causing a disruption
in blood flow
to everything below the affected area, and may even result
in death.
