Which statement about abdominal aortic aneurysm risk factors is accurate based on the material?

Which statement about abdominal aortic aneurysm risk factors is accurate based on the material?

• A. AAAs are most strongly associated with dehydration
• B. AAAs are linked to smoking, obesity, family history, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure
• C. AAAs are solely caused by genetic mutations with no lifestyle factors
• D. AAAs risk is not influenced by cholesterol levels

Answer: (B)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm risk arises from factors that promote atherosclerosis and weakening of the aortic wall. The strongest modifiable risk factor is smoking, which markedly increases the risk by fostering inflammation and degeneration of the vessel wall. Other important contributors include obesity, which is associated with greater atherogenic burden and hemodynamic stress; high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which drive atherosclerosis and arterial wall strain; and a family history, indicating genetic susceptibility. Therefore, listing smoking, obesity, family history, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure captures the known risk factors that contribute to AAA development. In contrast, dehydration is not recognized as a risk factor for AAA, and stating that genetic mutations alone cause AAA without lifestyle influences is inaccurate because lifestyle factors interact with genetic predisposition. Cholesterol levels do influence risk, so excluding that factor would be misleading.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm risk arises from factors that promote atherosclerosis and weakening of the aortic wall. The strongest modifiable risk factor is smoking, which markedly increases the risk by fostering inflammation and degeneration of the vessel wall. Other important contributors include obesity, which is associated with greater atherogenic burden and hemodynamic stress; high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which drive atherosclerosis and arterial wall strain; and a family history, indicating genetic susceptibility. Therefore, listing smoking, obesity, family history, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure captures the known risk factors that contribute to AAA development. In contrast, dehydration is not recognized as a risk factor for AAA, and stating that genetic mutations alone cause AAA without lifestyle influences is inaccurate because lifestyle factors interact with genetic predisposition. Cholesterol levels do influence risk, so excluding that factor would be misleading.