Smoking and high blood pressure increase risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm in men over 60

Cardiologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center say men ages 65 and older who have ever smoked should have a one-time. Men age 60 and older with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm should also consider screening.

Aortic aneurysm ruptures are the 13th leading cause of death of men in the United States. They typically strike men over the age of 65. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of patients who have an aortic rupture die before they can be treated.

This type of aneurysm can cause a rupture of the aorta - the largest artery in the body. Screenings are non-invasive and may be covered by Medicare.