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Abdominal aortic aneurysm in women
F A Lederle1, G R Johnson, S E Wilson
1Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA. frank.lederle@med.va.gov
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|July 4, 2001
Summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is less common in women, but key risk factors like age and smoking are similar for both sexes. Cerebrovascular disease may be a stronger risk factor for AAA in women.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Epidemiology
- Men's and Women's Health
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening condition with significant sex-based differences in prevalence.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted screening and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the associations of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men and women.
- To identify potential sex-specific risk factors for AAA development.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound screening for AAA in 125,822 veterans (aged 50-79).
- Questionnaire data collected on demographics and potential risk factors.
- Statistical analysis to compare AAA prevalence and associations between men and women.
Main Results:
- AAA prevalence was 4.3% in men and 1.0% in women (P <.001).
- Key AAA associations (age, smoking, family history, diabetes) were similar in both sexes.
- Black race, cancer, and cerebral vascular disease showed potentially stronger associations with AAA in women.
Conclusions:
- Despite lower prevalence, major AAA risk factors are consistent between men and women.
- Cerebrovascular disease may be a more significant risk factor for AAA in women, warranting further investigation.