Tomatoes contain lycopene, an organic pigment with antioxidant capabilities which protects damaged arteries and may also inhibit inflammation of the arterial wall.

An aneurysm happens when an artery becomes enlarged in a localized area due to weakening of the arterial wall.

Should the arterial wall rupture, the pseudoaneurysm will hemorrhage into the pancreatic duct.

Age related stiffness occurs when the elastic fibres within the arterial wall (elastin) begin to fray due to mechanical stress.

After the tear, blood enters the arterial wall and forms a blood clot, thickening the artery wall and often impeding blood flow.