01/26/2026
Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It weakens the walls of the aorta by damaging blood vessels, increasing inflammation, and speeding up the breakdown of connective tissue. Over time, this makes the aorta more likely to bulge, enlarge, and potentially rupture—making smoking cessation one of the most important ways to reduce AAA risk.
