Assessing Cardiovascular Risk and Medication Management in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm across Three...

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk and mortality.
• Understanding trends in comorbidities and medication is crucial for managing AAA patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in cardiovascular comorbidities and medication prescriptions in AAA patients over time.
• To evaluate the association of these factors with all-cause mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 7,957 AAA patients from 1989-2023.
• Assessment of comorbidities and medications at diagnosis across six time periods.
• Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model for mortality analysis.

Main Results:

• Cardiovascular comorbidities (hypertension, TIA, MI) and medication use (antiplatelets, beta-blockers, statins) increased over time.
• Older age, chronic renal failure, heart failure, and COPD were linked to higher mortality.
• Dyslipidemia, antiplatelet, and nitrate use were associated with decreased mortality.

Conclusions:

• AAA patient demographics and comorbidity profiles have shifted towards higher cardiovascular risk.
• Current cardiovascular risk management at AAA diagnosis appears insufficient.
• Enhanced cardiovascular risk management strategies are necessary to reduce AAA-related mortality.