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Recent trends in morbidity and mortality rates for abdominal aortic aneurysms
R Semenciw1, H Morrison, D Wigle
1Bureau of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Insights
Mortality and morbidity rates from aortic aneurysms in Canadian seniors have remained constant, unlike other circulatory diseases. Male seniors face significantly higher risks than females, necessitating further research into screening strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Geriatric medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Aortic aneurysms represent a significant health concern for seniors.
- Trends in aortic aneurysm mortality and morbidity are not well-characterized in recent Canadian data.
- Other circulatory diseases have demonstrated declining rates, highlighting a potential disparity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze recent trends in mortality and morbidity associated with aortic aneurysms.
- To identify demographic patterns in aortic aneurysm outcomes among Canadian seniors.
- To provide data for potential public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design utilizing Canadian health data.
- Inclusion of individuals aged 65 years and older hospitalized with aortic aneurysm or with aortic aneurysm as a cause of death.
- Analysis of mortality and morbidity rates over a 10-year period.
Main Results:
- Mortality and morbidity rates from aortic aneurysms have remained stable over the past decade.
- These rates have not shown the declines observed in other circulatory diseases.
- Male seniors exhibit a 4-5 times higher risk of aortic aneurysms compared to female seniors.
Conclusions:
- The lack of improvement in aortic aneurysm outcomes contrasts with other cardiovascular conditions.
- Screening for aortic aneurysms presents potential benefits for early detection and intervention.
- Further research is required to quantify the costs and benefits of implementing screening programs for this population.
Objectives:
To examine recent trends in mortality and morbidity rates from aortic aneurysms among Canadian seniors.
Design:
Retrospective study.
Participants:
Men and women age 65 years or older who were hospitalized in Canada with a primary diagnosis of aortic aneurysm or whose underlying cause of death was aortic aneurysm.
Main Results:
Unlike other circulatory diseases which have shown marked declines, mortality and morbidity rates from aortic aneurysms have remained constant over the last 10 years. Risks for male seniors are 4-5 times greater than for females.
Conclusions:
Since mortality and morbidity from aortic aneurysms have not decreased and screening offers potential benefits, costs and benefits of screening need to be quantified.