Which risk factor is most strongly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Which risk factor is most strongly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm?

• A. Diabetes
• B. Hyperlipidemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Smoking

Answer: (D)

Smoking is the strongest risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Tobacco exposure drives chronic inflammation in the aortic wall and increases matrix metalloproteinases that break down elastin and collagen in the media, weakening the vessel wall and allowing the aorta to dilate over time. This link is stronger than that with hypertension or hyperlipidemia, which contribute to vascular disease in general but not as directly to the wall degeneration that causes an aneurysm. Interestingly, diabetes does not raise AAA risk and may be associated with a lower incidence, underscoring that AAA risk factors differ from typical atherosclerotic risk factors. Clinically, quitting smoking reduces risk of development and progression, making smoking the key modifiable factor to focus on.

Smoking is the strongest risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Tobacco exposure drives chronic inflammation in the aortic wall and increases matrix metalloproteinases that break down elastin and collagen in the media, weakening the vessel wall and allowing the aorta to dilate over time. This link is stronger than that with hypertension or hyperlipidemia, which contribute to vascular disease in general but not as directly to the wall degeneration that causes an aneurysm. Interestingly, diabetes does not raise AAA risk and may be associated with a lower incidence, underscoring that AAA risk factors differ from typical atherosclerotic risk factors. Clinically, quitting smoking reduces risk of development and progression, making smoking the key modifiable factor to focus on.