AEMCA Practice Exam

What leads to the occurrence of an Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?

1. Increased calcium deposits in the artery wall

2. Weakening of the muscle layer in the artery

3. High levels of cholesterol in the blood

4. Excessive physical activity

The correct answer is: Weakening of the muscle layer in the artery

The occurrence of an Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is primarily related to the weakening of the muscle layer in the artery. The aorta, being the largest artery in the body, has a muscular layer that provides strength and elasticity. When this muscular layer becomes weakened, it can no longer withstand the pressure of the blood flow, which may lead to a dilation or bulging of the artery, ultimately resulting in an aneurysm. Various factors, including hypertension, genetic predisposition, and degenerative changes, can contribute to this weakening. While conditions like increased calcium deposits or high cholesterol may affect arterial health, they do not directly cause the structural weakening of the arterial wall as significantly as the muscle layer's degeneration does. Excessive physical activity is typically not linked to the development of an AAA and is not a recognized risk factor. Understanding this mechanism is crucial, as it highlights the importance of managing blood pressure and monitoring arterial health to prevent aneurysm formation.