Is abdominal aortic aneurysm hereditary?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm may be inherited to a certain extent, but the specific risk is affected by many factors. Family history, especially the medical history of first-degree relatives (parents, siblings), is one of the important risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm, but environment and lifestyle also play a key role.

Studies have shown that there is a high genetic predisposition to abdominal aortic aneurysms, especially gene mutations associated with connective tissue diseases (such as Marfan syndrome) that may affect the strength and elasticity of the arterial wall. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, etc. may induce or accelerate the formation of aneurysms, and personal medical history such as atherosclerosis can also increase the probability of disease. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms have no obvious initial symptoms and are often discovered accidentally through physical examinations or imaging examinations.

For people with family genetic risks, it is recommended to undergo regular ultrasound or CT examinations starting at the age of 40, especially when related diseases occur in first-degree relatives. In terms of prevention, attention should be paid to a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, maintaining normal blood pressure and blood lipids, and controlling weight. At the same time, for patients who have been diagnosed, small aneurysms can be delayed by controlling blood pressure with drugs (such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors), while larger aneurysms or those accompanied by rupture require surgical treatment (such as open surgery, endovascular repair EVAR).

If there is a similar medical history in your family, please seek medical attention promptly and inform your doctor of your family's health status to ensure relevant screening and monitoring for early detection and early intervention.