What is the most common risk factor for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

The most common risk factor for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is smoking. While hypertension is indeed a significant risk factor and is often associated with vascular diseases, smoking has a stronger and more direct correlation with the incidence of AAAs. Nicotine and other substances in cigarettes can damage the vascular endothelium and promote atherosclerosis, which contributes to the formation and expansion of an aneurysm.

Studies have shown that individuals who smoke are several times more likely to develop an AAA compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smoking can exacerbate preexisting conditions like hypertension and hyperlipidemia, further increasing the risk.

Contrarily, other factors such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia do not have a similarly strong association with AAA development. While they can contribute to overall cardiovascular disease, they are not primary risk factors for the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Therefore, understanding the direct impact of smoking on vascular health provides clarity on its role as the most prevalent risk factor for AAAs.