In relation to aortic aneurysms, which of the following is a key risk factor?

Age is a well-established key risk factor for the development of aortic aneurysms. As individuals age, the risk of structural changes within the aorta increases due to a variety of factors, including the natural degeneration of connective tissues and increased likelihood of atherosclerosis. This makes older adults particularly susceptible to the formation and rupture of aneurysms.

While other factors such as diet, exercise, and blood pressure can contribute to overall cardiovascular health and the development of related conditions, they are not as significantly linked to the specific risk of aortic aneurysms as age is. For instance, hypertension (high blood pressure) can increase the stress on the arterial walls, which may be additional context in vascular health, but the correlation between age and the incidence of aortic aneurysms is more pronounced and critical in understanding risk stratification and patient management in vascular interventional practices.