NU505 Unit 2 Assignment: Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

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Purdue University Globle 

NU505 Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health Promotion

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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Causes, Risk Factors, Epidemiology, and Screening

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the abdominal section of the aorta enlarges because the artery wall becomes weak. Most AAAs develop without noticeable symptoms, making early detection essential. A one-time abdominal ultrasound is recommended for men aged 65–75 years who have ever smoked because it significantly reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture and related deaths. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and screening recommendations can help identify high-risk individuals before complications occur.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are among the most serious vascular diseases affecting older adults. Although many aneurysms remain stable for years, untreated enlargement can eventually lead to rupture, causing severe internal bleeding and requiring immediate emergency treatment. Fortunately, advances in screening and surveillance have made early diagnosis more effective, improving long-term patient outcomes.

Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the abdominal portion of the aorta gradually expands beyond its normal diameter due to weakening of the vessel wall. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities. As the aneurysm enlarges, the arterial wall becomes thinner and weaker, increasing the likelihood of rupture.

Most abdominal aortic aneurysms develop slowly over many years. Because the condition rarely produces symptoms during its early stages, it is often discovered incidentally during imaging studies performed for unrelated health concerns. Once an aneurysm ruptures, however, it becomes a medical emergency associated with a high risk of death due to massive internal hemorrhage.

The exact cause of AAA remains uncertain, but researchers agree that multiple biological and environmental factors contribute to weakening of the aortic wall.

What Causes an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Abdominal aortic aneurysms develop through a combination of age-related changes, chronic inflammation, and damage to the blood vessel wall. Over time, structural proteins such as elastin and collagen begin to deteriorate, reducing the strength and elasticity of the aorta. This progressive degeneration allows the artery to stretch and enlarge under normal blood pressure.

Several mechanisms contribute to aneurysm formation, including:

• Chronic inflammation within the arterial wall

• Degeneration of connective tissue

• Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup inside arteries)

• Oxidative stress that damages blood vessels

• Genetic susceptibility

• Long-term cardiovascular disease

Current evidence suggests that no single factor causes AAA. Instead, the condition develops through the interaction of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and age-related vascular changes.

Research has also identified several genetic variants associated with increased susceptibility to abdominal aortic aneurysms. Genome-wide association studies have linked genes such as CDKN2B-AS1, DAB2IP, LRP1, LDLR, and SORT1 to aneurysm development. These discoveries may improve future risk prediction and support more personalized screening strategies (Roychowdhury et al., 2023).

Major Risk Factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Several well-established factors increase the likelihood of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Some are modifiable through lifestyle changes, while others cannot be changed.

The most important risk factors include:

• Smoking

• Age 65 years or older

• Male sex

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

• Family history of AAA

• Atherosclerosis

• Obesity

• Certain inherited genetic variants

Among these, smoking remains the strongest preventable risk factor and is consistently associated with earlier aneurysm development, faster aneurysm growth, and a greater risk of rupture.

Individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors are substantially more likely to develop AAA than those without these conditions. Healthcare providers therefore consider overall cardiovascular health when determining whether screening is appropriate.

Why Smoking Is the Greatest Modifiable Risk Factor

Smoking has a stronger association with abdominal aortic aneurysm than any other modifiable lifestyle factor. Chemicals found in tobacco smoke damage the lining of blood vessels, promote chronic inflammation, accelerate atherosclerosis, and weaken the connective tissue that supports the aortic wall.

Research consistently shows that both current and former smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing AAA compared with individuals who have never smoked. In addition, smokers often develop aneurysms at a younger age and experience more rapid aneurysm expansion.

Quitting smoking offers substantial health benefits even after years of tobacco use. Smoking cessation slows vascular damage, reduces cardiovascular complications, and lowers the overall risk of aneurysm progression and rupture.

Epidemiology of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm primarily affects older adults, particularly men. Although improved smoking cessation rates and better cardiovascular disease management have reduced the overall prevalence of AAA in recent decades, it remains a major cause of preventable death worldwide.

Between 2018 and 2021, abdominal aortic aneurysm was responsible for approximately 13,640 deaths in the United States, with men accounting for the majority of cases. The condition becomes increasingly common with age, making older adults the primary target for screening programs.

Population-based studies demonstrate a steady increase in AAA prevalence among aging men:

• Ages 65–74 years: approximately 55 cases per 100,000 people

• Ages 75–85 years: approximately 112 cases per 100,000 people

• Older than 85 years: approximately 298 cases per 100,000 people

These findings highlight the strong relationship between advancing age and aneurysm development, reinforcing the importance of screening older adults with additional cardiovascular risk factors.

AAA Prevalence in High-Risk Populations

Certain populations are significantly more likely to develop abdominal aortic aneurysms than others. A large U.S. ultrasound screening study involving 9,457 participants identified several characteristics associated with increased prevalence.

Most participants:

• Were approximately 67 years old

• Fell within the 65–75-year age group

• Had one or more cardiovascular risk factors

The most common associated conditions included:

• Hypertension

• Hyperlipidemia

• Smoking

• Coronary artery disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Family history of AAA

• Elevated body mass index (BMI)

Overall, 2.82% of participants had an abdominal aortic aneurysm measuring more than 3 cm, while the prevalence among men aged 65–75 years approached 3% (Summers et al., 2019).

These findings suggest that screening programs are particularly valuable for individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Emerging evidence also indicates that younger men with extensive smoking histories may benefit from individualized screening decisions based on their overall risk profile.

People with a family history of AAA should also discuss screening with their healthcare provider because inherited genetic factors substantially increase the likelihood of aneurysm development.

People with hypertension, elevated cholesterol, obesity, or established cardiovascular disease should focus on controlling these conditions alongside attending recommended screening appointments, as comprehensive cardiovascular risk management can reduce complications associated with aneurysm progression.

People at the highest risk include older men who have ever smoked, those with a family history of AAA, and individuals with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Because most aneurysms remain symptom-free until they become dangerously large, targeted ultrasound screening remains the most effective strategy for early detection and prevention of aneurysm-related deaths.

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Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Early detection is the most effective way to prevent life-threatening complications from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Because most aneurysms develop silently without symptoms, healthcare providers rely on targeted screening to identify high-risk individuals before rupture occurs. Once detected, treatment depends on the aneurysm’s size, growth rate, symptoms, and the patient’s overall health.

Current Screening Recommendations for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Routine screening has significantly reduced deaths caused by ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. Clinical guidelines recommend screening individuals who are most likely to develop the condition while avoiding unnecessary testing in low-risk populations.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the following recommendations apply:

• Men aged 65–75 years who have ever smoked should receive a one-time abdominal ultrasound.

• Men aged 65–75 years who have never smoked may be screened selectively based on individual risk factors such as a family history of AAA or cardiovascular disease.

• Routine screening is not recommended for women who have never smoked and have no family history because the prevalence of AAA is low and the overall benefit is limited.

These recommendations focus on identifying aneurysms before they rupture, allowing physicians to monitor disease progression or perform elective repair when appropriate.

Why Ultrasound Is the Preferred Screening Test

Abdominal ultrasonography is considered the gold standard for AAA screening because it combines excellent diagnostic accuracy with safety and affordability.

Compared with other imaging methods, ultrasound offers several important advantages:

• Non-invasive procedure

• No exposure to ionizing radiation

• Quick examination, often completed within minutes

• Highly accurate for measuring aneurysm size

• Widely available in hospitals and outpatient clinics

• Cost-effective for population screening

Evidence reviewed by the USPSTF shows that abdominal ultrasound has:

• Sensitivity: 94%–100%

• Specificity: 98%–100%

These performance characteristics make ultrasound the preferred first-line imaging test for both screening and long-term surveillance.

How Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?

Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are diagnosed before symptoms develop. Many are discovered incidentally during imaging performed for unrelated medical conditions, while others are identified through routine screening in high-risk individuals.

After an aneurysm is detected, healthcare providers evaluate:

• Maximum aneurysm diameter

• Rate of enlargement

• Shape and location of the aneurysm

• Presence of symptoms

• Risk of rupture

Ultrasound is usually sufficient for diagnosis and follow-up. However, computed tomography (CT) angiography provides more detailed anatomical information and is commonly used before surgery or in emergency situations involving suspected rupture.

Evidence from Major AAA Screening Trials

Large randomized clinical trials conducted in several countries have established the effectiveness of ultrasound screening in reducing aneurysm-related deaths.

Western Australia Screening Trial

The Western Australia study evaluated 38,480 men who underwent one-time abdominal ultrasound screening.

Researchers found that:

• AAA prevalence ranged from approximately 4% to 7.6%.

• Smoking was one of the strongest predictors of aneurysm development.

• Only a small proportion of participants had aneurysms measuring 5 cm or larger, the size at which surgical repair is commonly considered.

Although long-term mortality outcomes varied, the trial demonstrated that screening enables clinicians to detect aneurysms before rupture and identify individuals requiring ongoing surveillance.

Viborg Trial (Denmark)

The Viborg Trial screened thousands of Danish men between 64 and 65 years of age.

Researchers observed:

• A significant reduction in deaths caused by abdominal aortic aneurysm.

• Increased detection of aneurysms before rupture.

• Improved long-term survival among men invited for screening.

The findings strongly supported national screening programs targeting older men with elevated cardiovascular risk.

Chichester Trial (United Kingdom)

The Chichester Trial examined whether routine screening benefits both men and women equally.

The study found:

• AAA prevalence among women was approximately 1.3%.

• Rupture rates remained very low.

• AAA-related mortality differed little between screened and unscreened women.

• Overall survival was similar regardless of screening status.

These findings explain why current screening recommendations primarily target men while reserving screening for women with significant risk factors such as a strong family history or extensive smoking exposure.

What Clinical Trials Reveal About AAA

Evidence from multiple international screening studies demonstrates several consistent findings.

Most aneurysms identified during screening:

• Measure less than 4.5 cm.

• Grow slowly over time.

• Can be monitored safely through regular imaging.

• Do not require immediate surgery.

Clinical trials consistently show that identifying aneurysms before rupture allows physicians to provide appropriate surveillance or elective repair, substantially reducing emergency operations and aneurysm-related mortality.

Treatment Options for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Treatment decisions are individualized and depend on several clinical factors.

Healthcare providers consider:

• Aneurysm diameter

• Growth rate

• Presence of symptoms

• Risk of rupture

• Age and overall health

• Surgical risk

Small aneurysms are generally monitored with regular imaging, whereas larger or rapidly expanding aneurysms usually require surgical repair.

Active Surveillance for Small AAAs

Most aneurysms measuring less than 5.5 cm in men can be managed safely through active surveillance rather than immediate surgery.

Monitoring typically includes periodic ultrasound or CT imaging to assess aneurysm growth.

Patients are also advised to reduce cardiovascular risk through lifestyle modification.

Recommended strategies include:

• Stopping smoking

• Maintaining healthy blood pressure

• Lowering cholesterol levels

• Achieving a healthy body weight

• Exercising regularly

• Taking prescribed cardiovascular medications

Although lifestyle changes cannot reverse an aneurysm, they may slow progression while reducing the risk of other cardiovascular complications.

Open Surgical Repair

Open surgical repair has been the standard treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm for decades.

During the procedure, surgeons remove or bypass the weakened section of the aorta and replace it with a durable synthetic graft.

Advantages include:

• Excellent long-term durability

• Low risk of recurrent aneurysm

• Proven long-term success

Because it involves a large abdominal incision and general anesthesia, recovery is longer than minimally invasive procedures.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive alternative suitable for many patients.

During EVAR, a stent graft is inserted through the femoral arteries and positioned inside the aneurysm, reinforcing the weakened vessel wall without removing the aneurysm itself.

Potential benefits include:

• Smaller incisions

• Shorter hospital stay

• Faster recovery

• Lower short-term complication rates

• Reduced postoperative pain

However, EVAR requires lifelong follow-up because complications such as endoleaks, graft migration, or device failure may occur over time.

Early Surgery vs. Active Surveillance

Several landmark randomized clinical trials have compared immediate surgery with regular surveillance for patients whose aneurysms measured 4.0–5.4 cm.

Researchers evaluated:

• Open surgical repair

• Endovascular aneurysm repair

• Active surveillance with scheduled imaging

The evidence showed:

• No significant difference in AAA-related mortality between immediate surgery and careful surveillance for most small aneurysms.

• Early surgery reduced rupture risk in selected high-risk patients.

• Many patients safely avoided surgery for several years through regular monitoring.

These findings support current clinical guidelines recommending surveillance until the aneurysm reaches the size at which the benefits of surgery clearly outweigh procedural risks.

Advances in Personalized AAA Management

AAA management continues to evolve as researchers explore more precise methods for predicting aneurysm growth and rupture.

Emerging areas of research include:

• Artificial intelligence-assisted ultrasound interpretation

• Machine learning models for rupture prediction

• Blood-based biomarkers

• Genetic susceptibility testing

• Personalized risk prediction models

• Improved endovascular devices

• Targeted medical therapies

Although many of these innovations remain under investigation, they have the potential to improve early diagnosis and support individualized treatment decisions.

Healthcare providers may eventually combine imaging findings, genetic information, laboratory biomarkers, and clinical characteristics to estimate rupture risk more accurately than current approaches allow.

Targeted screening with abdominal ultrasound remains the cornerstone of AAA prevention. Clinical evidence consistently demonstrates that one-time screening for high-risk men significantly reduces aneurysm-related deaths. Most small aneurysms can be monitored safely with routine imaging, while larger or rapidly enlarging aneurysms benefit from timely surgical intervention.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Research, Future Directions, and Clinical Outlook

Research on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has expanded considerably in recent years. Scientists are working to improve early diagnosis, identify people at the highest risk, and develop treatments that reduce aneurysm growth and prevent rupture. Advances in genetics, imaging, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence (AI) are shaping a more personalized approach to AAA management.

While ultrasound screening and surgical repair remain the foundation of current care, ongoing research is expected to improve risk prediction, optimize treatment decisions, and enhance long-term patient outcomes.

Recent Advances in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Research

Modern AAA research focuses on four primary goals:

• Detect aneurysms earlier.

• Predict which aneurysms are most likely to rupture.

• Improve minimally invasive treatment options.

• Develop personalized prevention and management strategies.

Several high-quality studies have strengthened current screening recommendations while identifying new opportunities to improve patient care.

Giant Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

A systematic review by Buksh et al. (2024) examined giant abdominal aortic aneurysms, an uncommon but extremely dangerous form of AAA. The review combined a detailed clinical case with 61 previously reported cases to better understand how these unusually large aneurysms develop and are managed.

The researchers found that giant AAAs are associated with a substantially higher risk of rupture because they often remain undiagnosed until they reach a critical size. The study reinforces the importance of routine ultrasound screening for high-risk populations, particularly older adults with a history of smoking.

The review also highlights the need for greater public awareness. Since most aneurysms cause no symptoms during their early stages, many patients remain unaware of the condition until emergency treatment becomes necessary.

Emerging Biomarkers for Earlier Diagnosis

Researchers are increasingly investigating biological markers that may improve AAA detection before structural changes become visible on imaging.

Current research has identified several promising biomarkers, including:

• PPARG

• RAB5C

These biomarkers may eventually help clinicians:

• Detect aneurysms earlier.

• Predict aneurysm growth.

• Estimate rupture risk.

• Personalize surveillance schedules.

• Guide future medical therapies.

Although biomarker testing is not yet part of routine clinical practice, ongoing studies suggest it may become an important complement to imaging in future screening programs.

Genetic Discoveries and Precision Medicine

Genetic research has transformed scientists’ understanding of abdominal aortic aneurysm development.

Large genome-wide association studies have identified several genes associated with increased susceptibility, including:

• CDKN2B-AS1

• DAB2IP

• LRP1

• LDLR

• SORT1

Researchers have also identified PCSK9 as a potential therapeutic target, opening new possibilities for future drug development.

As genetic testing becomes more accessible, clinicians may eventually combine inherited risk profiles with traditional cardiovascular risk factors to determine who would benefit most from earlier or more frequent screening.

Long-Term Benefits of Screening Programs

Population-based screening programs continue to demonstrate substantial benefits.

An 11-year follow-up study involving more than 13,000 men aged 65 years reported several important findings:

• Most aneurysms were detected before rupture.

• Only a minority of patients required surgery.

• AAA-related mortality remained very low.

• Emergency operations decreased significantly.

• Elective repair resulted in better long-term outcomes.

These findings reinforce that targeted ultrasound screening is one of the most effective strategies for preventing aneurysm-related deaths.

Current Challenges in AAA Screening

Although existing screening guidelines have saved many lives, researchers continue to debate whether recommendations should expand to include additional high-risk populations.

Current challenges include:

• Underuse of recommended screening programs.

• Limited awareness among eligible patients.

• Identifying younger high-risk smokers.

• Determining the role of genetic testing.

• Balancing healthcare costs with broader screening.

• Defining optimal surveillance intervals.

Future guidelines may incorporate genetic information, artificial intelligence, and individualized risk prediction models to improve patient selection.

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of AAA Care

Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the most promising innovations in vascular medicine.

Researchers are evaluating AI systems that can:

• Interpret ultrasound images more efficiently.

• Detect subtle aneurysm growth.

• Predict rupture risk.

• Assist surgical planning.

• Improve follow-up recommendations.

Machine learning algorithms may eventually analyze thousands of clinical variables simultaneously, allowing physicians to identify patients at highest risk with greater accuracy than traditional methods alone.

Although these technologies are still being validated, early research suggests they could enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Future Treatment Strategies

Current treatment relies primarily on surveillance and surgical repair. However, researchers continue to investigate therapies that may slow aneurysm progression before surgery becomes necessary.

Areas of active research include:

• Medications that reduce inflammation.

• Drugs targeting connective tissue degeneration.

• Gene-targeted therapies.

• Improved endovascular stent grafts.

• Personalized surveillance intervals.

• Combination imaging and biomarker approaches.

These advances could eventually reduce the number of patients requiring emergency surgery while extending the period during which aneurysms can be managed safely.

Clinical Implications for Healthcare Providers

Healthcare professionals play a critical role in reducing AAA-related mortality through early identification and evidence-based management.

Best practices include:

• Identifying patients who meet screening criteria.

• Encouraging smoking cessation.

• Managing hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

• Promoting cardiovascular risk reduction.

• Monitoring aneurysm growth with appropriate imaging.

• Referring patients for vascular surgery when indicated.

A multidisciplinary approach involving primary care providers, vascular surgeons, radiologists, and cardiovascular specialists helps optimize patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways

Abdominal aortic aneurysm remains a significant cause of preventable cardiovascular death because it often develops silently until rupture occurs. Evidence consistently supports targeted ultrasound screening for men aged 65–75 years who have ever smoked, as early detection substantially reduces aneurysm-related mortality.

Current research demonstrates that:

• Ultrasound remains the preferred screening tool because it is highly accurate, safe, and cost-effective.

• Smoking is the strongest modifiable risk factor for AAA.

• Most small aneurysms can be monitored safely with regular imaging.

• Larger or rapidly expanding aneurysms usually require surgical repair.

• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) offers a minimally invasive alternative for eligible patients.

• Advances in genetics, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence are expected to improve individualized risk prediction and treatment.

Early diagnosis, routine surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and timely intervention continue to represent the foundation of successful AAA management.

Ultrasound screening is the most effective strategy for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms before rupture. Men aged 65–75 years who have ever smoked benefit most from one-time screening, while ongoing surveillance and appropriate treatment significantly reduce aneurysm-related complications and mortality. Emerging research in genetics, biomarkers, artificial intelligence, and personalized medicine is expected to further improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of AAA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an abdominal aortic aneurysm be prevented?

Not all AAAs can be prevented, but quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and attending recommended screening appointments can significantly reduce the risk of aneurysm growth and rupture.

What symptoms suggest an abdominal aortic aneurysm has ruptured?

A ruptured AAA is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain

• Dizziness or fainting

• Rapid heartbeat

• Low blood pressure

• Signs of shock

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

How often should a small abdominal aortic aneurysm be monitored?

Follow-up imaging depends on the aneurysm’s size and growth rate. Healthcare providers typically recommend periodic ultrasound examinations at intervals determined by current clinical guidelines.

Can women develop abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Yes. Although AAA is less common in women, the condition can occur, particularly among women with a history of smoking, significant cardiovascular disease, or a strong family history of aneurysm.

Is exercise safe if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Most patients with small, stable aneurysms can remain physically active. However, exercise recommendations should be individualized by a healthcare provider based on aneurysm size, symptoms, and overall cardiovascular health.

Does every abdominal aortic aneurysm require surgery?

No. Many small aneurysms grow slowly and can be managed safely through routine imaging and cardiovascular risk reduction. Surgery is generally recommended only when the aneurysm becomes large, grows rapidly, or causes symptoms.

References

Ashton, H., Buxton, M., Day, N., Kim, L., Marteau, T., Scott, R., Thompson, S., & Walker, N. (2002). The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS) into the effect of abdominal aortic aneurysm screening on mortality in men: A randomized controlled trial. The Lancet, 360(9345), 1531–1539. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(02)11522-4

Buksh, M. M., Nuzhath, S., Heslop, J., & Moawad, M. (2024). A systematic review and case presentation: Giant abdominal aortic aneurysm. Vascular, 32(3), 521–532. https://doi.org/10.1177/17085381221140166

Guirguis-Blake, J., Beil, T., Senger, C., & Coppola, E. (2019). Primary care screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm: Updated systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551974/

Howard, D. P. J., Banerjee, A., Fairhead, J. F., Handa, A., Silver, L. E., & Rothwell, P. M. (2015). Population-based study of incidence of acute abdominal aortic aneurysms. Journal of the American Heart Association, 4(8). https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.115.001926

Lederle, F. A., Wilson, S. E., Johnson, G. R., et al. (2002). Immediate repair compared with surveillance of small abdominal aortic aneurysms. New England Journal of Medicine, 346(19), 1437–1444. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa012573

NU505 Unit 2 Assignment: Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

Liu, Z. (2023). Editorial: Abdominal aortic aneurysms: Advancements in diagnosis, biomarkers, drug therapeutics, surgical and endovascular treatment. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2023.1218335

Mansoor, S. M., Rabben, T., Hisdal, J., & Jørgensen, J. J. (2023). Eleven-year outcomes of a screening project for abdominal aortic aneurysm in 65-year-old men. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 19, 459–467. https://doi.org/10.2147/VHRM.S412954

Roychowdhury, T., Klarin, D., Levin, M. G., et al. (2023). Genome-wide association meta-analysis identifies risk loci for abdominal aortic aneurysm and highlights PCSK9 as a therapeutic target. Nature Genetics, 55(11), 1831–1842. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-023-01510-y

Summers, K. L., Kerut, E. K., Sheahan, C., et al. (2019). Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms in the United States: Reevaluating the screening guidelines. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 70(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2019.06.120

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2019). Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 322(22), 2211–2218. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.18928

NU505 Unit 2 Assignment: Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm

Vardulaki, K. A., Walker, N. M., Day, N. E., Duffy, S. W., Ashton, H. A., & Scott, R. A. P. (2000). Quantifying the risks of hypertension, age, sex and smoking in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. British Journal of Surgery, 87(2), 195–200. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2168.2000.01353.x

Zucker, E. J., & Prabhakar, A. M. (2018). Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: Concepts and controversies. Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy, 8(Suppl. 1), S108–S117. https://doi.org/10.21037/cdt.2017.09.13

How much sleep do healthy adults need?

Most healthy adults should aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. This recommendation is supported by sleep medicine experts and public health organizations to maintain optimal physical health, cognitive performance, and immune function.

Can improving sleep reduce the likelihood of illness?

Improving sleep habits can strengthen immune function and may reduce the risk of respiratory infections. While adequate sleep cannot prevent every illness, it is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and supports faster recovery when illness occurs.

What are the best sleep hygiene practices?

Effective sleep hygiene includes:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.

• Limiting caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime.

• Reducing screen time in the evening.

• Creating a cool, quiet, and dark sleep environment.

• Exercising regularly during the day.

• Practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress.

• Avoiding heavy meals immediately before bedtime.

Healthy sleep habits improve both sleep quality and overall immune resilience.

Research consistently demonstrates that obtaining sufficient, high-quality sleep strengthens immune function and may reduce susceptibility to common respiratory infections.

Clinical evidence indicates that adults who sleep fewer than seven hours each night have a significantly greater likelihood of developing the common cold than individuals who consistently obtain the recommended amount of sleep.

Sleep hygiene education is a practical, low-cost, evidence-based intervention that healthcare professionals can use to promote wellness, strengthen immune health, and improve patient outcomes.

References

Altman, M. T., Knauert, M. P., & Pisani, M. A. (2017). Sleep disturbance after hospitalization and critical illness: A systematic review. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 14(9), 1457–1468. https://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201702-148SR

Asif, N., Iqbal, R., & Nazir, C. F. (2017). Human immune system during sleep. American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 6(6), 92–96. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806561/

Cohen, S., Doyle, W. J., Alper, C. M., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Turner, R. B. (2009). Sleep habits and susceptibility to the common cold. Archives of Internal Medicine, 169(1), 62–67. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2008.505

Ghilotti, F., Pesonen, A. S., Raposo, S. E., Winell, H., Nyrén, O., Trolle Lagerros, Y., & Plymoth, A. (2018). Physical activity, sleep and risk of respiratory infections: A Swedish cohort study. PLoS ONE, 13(1), e0190270. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0190270

NU504 Assignment 6: Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Cold Susceptibility

Irish, L. A., Kline, C. E., Gunn, H. E., Buysse, D. J., & Hall, M. H. (2015). The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health: A review of empirical evidence. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 22, 23–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2014.10.001

Mazurek Melnyk, B., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Riva, J. J., Malik, K. M., Burnie, S. J., Endicott, A. R., & Busse, J. W. (2012). What is your research question? An introduction to the PICOT format for clinicians. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 56(3), 167–171. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3430448/

Wentz, L. M., Ward, M. D., Potter, C., Oliver, S. J., Jackson, S., Izard, R. M., Greeves, J. P., & Walsh, N. P. (2018). Increased risk of upper respiratory infection in military recruits who report sleeping less than 6 h per night. Military Medicine, 183(11–12), e699–e704. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usy090