Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Assessment and Plan: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

• According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked are recommended to have a one-time ultrasound screening for AAA.

• If there is a known AAA, for prevention of an AAA, or for family history of AAA: Patients should be advised to quit smoking, control blood pressure, reduce weight, reduce total cholesterol, reduce LDL, and reduce triglycerides. Please see these sections in Preventive Health Advisor for more information.

• Teach others to avoid smoking to reduce risk of AAA.

• A handful of walnuts or Brazil nuts per day may assist in improvement of cholesterol and artery health if not allergic to nuts and 5 servings or more of a variety of vegetables and fruits daily.

• Please see sections on weight loss, hyperlipidemia, and aerobic exercise if overweight and not obtaining enough exercise.

• Additional Screening recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2012 Recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/guide/section1.html

References:

1.Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Topic Page. February 2005. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsaneu.htm