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Abdominal aortic aneurysm prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

Smoking cessation and blood pressure management are two strategies to reverse modifiable risk factors for the development, progression, and rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Preventive Measures

To reduce the risk of developing aneurysms:

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking (if you smoke), and reduce stress to help lower your chances of having a blocked artery again.
  • Take medications to help lower your cholesterol.
  • Take medications for blood pressure or diabetes control.
  • People over age 65 who have smoked at any time in their life should have a screening ultrasound performed once.

Prevention of AAA (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

Class I
1. In patients with AAAs, blood pressure and fasting serum lipid values should be monitored and controlled as recommended for patients with atherosclerotic disease. (Level of Evidence: C)
2. Patients with aneurysms or a family history of aneurysms should be advised to stop smoking and be offered smoking cessation interventions, including behavior modification, nicotine replacement, or bupropion. (Level of Evidence: B)

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000162.htm

References

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