Small aneurysms generally pose no threat. But aneurysms increase a person's risk for:
- Atherosclerotic plaque formation at the site of the aneurysm
- The potential for a clot to form at the site and then dislodge
- Increase in the aneurysm size, causing it to press on nerves or other organs, causing pain
- Aneurysm rupture. (Because the artery wall thins at this spot, it is fragile and may burst under stress. A sudden rupture of an aortic aneurysm may be life threatening.)