The most significant modifiable risk factor for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is smoking which increases the risk of aneurysm development 8 fold.  Advanced age and family history are the strongest non-modifiable risk factors for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are risk factors as well. Both diabetes mellitus and being of African American descent appear to be associated with a lower incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm.  Caucasians report a higher incidence of AAA when compared to the non Caucasians.  An increased rate of expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm is related to systolic hypertension, wide pulse pressure, and ongoing smoking.  The risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture is proportional to the size and rate of growth of the aneurysm.  Abdominal aortic aneurysms greater than 5 cm diameter or those that grow faster than 1 cm per year have a significantly increased risk of rupture and are indications for elective operative repair.  Advanced age, female gender, hypertension, active smoking, outpouchings, and mural thrombus are also risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm risk factors
Abdominal aortic aneurysm causes
Acute mesenteric ischemia risk factors
Acute pancreatitis risk factors
Chronic pancreatitis risk factors
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk factors
Mesenteric ischemia risk factors
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis risk factors