Prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Men Aged 65–74 Years in a Metropolitan Area in North-East Spain

BackgroundA declining prevalence of AAA and a shift in the distribution towards the older population have been observed during the last decade in Europe. The aim was to estimate the current screening prevalence of AAA in men aged 65–74 years in a metropolitan area in north-east Spain and to identify associated risk factors.MethodsA cross sectional prevalence study in men registered in L'Hospitalet Primary Healthcare Services (Barcelona, Spain) was performed. There were 619 randomly selected subjects (expected prevalence of aneurysm, 5%; accuracy of estimation, ±2%; loss to follow up, 30%). Exclusion criteria were life expectancy <1 year, limited quality of life, previous diagnosis of AAA, prior aorto-femoral surgery, and non-Caucasian. The following were measured: internal diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta using ultrasound, cardiovascular risk factors, personal (heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease) and family history (AAA), physical examination, and blood tests. We estimated the prevalence and 95% confidence interval of AAA, and used logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for AAA.ResultsAmong the 651 individuals included in the analysis the prevalence of aneurysm was 2.30% (95% CI, 1.30–3.77%). In the regression analysis, AAA was associated with smoking (0–10, 11–20, or >20 cigarettes/day), diagnosis of myocardial infarction, and being taller than the median (165 cm).ConclusionsThe current screening prevalence of AAA among men aged 65–74 years in a metropolitan area in north-east Spain is similar to that in northern Europe. Smoking, myocardial infarction, and height were associated with the presence of AAA.