Which of the following are risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)? (Select all that apply.)
Diabetes mellitus
Total cholesterol 170 mg/dL (less than 200 mg /Dl
HDL cholesterol 65 mg/dL (male greater than 45 mg/dL; female greater than 55 mg/dL)
Smoking cigarettes
Family history of aneurysm
Correct Answer : D,E
A. Diabetes mellitus: An inverse association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) risk has been reported. Apart from a lower AAA prevalence among patients with vs those without DM, there is data showing that DM may exert a protective role on aneurysmal growth in patients with small AAAs, thus decreasing the risk of rupture. As atherosclerosis has almost the same risk factors as aneurysms, the decreased AAA prevalence in patients with DM may indicate that atherosclerosis is an associated feature and not a cause of the aneurysms.
B. Total cholesterol 170 mg/dL (less than 200 mg/dL): While elevated total cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it is not specifically listed as a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, dyslipidemia, including elevated total cholesterol levels, can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which is a risk factor for AAA.
C. HDL cholesterol 65 mg/dL (male greater than 45 mg/dL; female greater than 55 mg/dL): High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels greater than 65 mg/dL are not listed as a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which may indirectly contribute to the development of AAA through the promotion of atherosclerosis.
D. Smoking cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes is a significant modifiable risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, promotes inflammation, and accelerates the development of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of AAA formation and rupture.
E. Family history of aneurysm: A family history of aneurysm, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), is a risk factor for developing AAA. Genetic factors can predispose individuals to the development of aneurysms, and a positive family history increases the likelihood of AAA occurrence.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Pericardiocentesis: Pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to drain fluid from the pericardial sac, typically performed in cases of pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade. It is not indicated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which involves structural abnormalities of the heart muscle rather than pericardial fluid accumulation.
B. Septal myectomy: Septal myectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), a subtype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterized by thickening of the interventricular septum and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Septal myectomy involves the surgical removal of a portion of the hypertrophied septum to relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and improve symptoms.
C. Pericardial window: A pericardial window is a surgical procedure used to create a communication between the pericardial sac and the pleural space, typically performed in cases of recurrent pericardial effusion or tamponade to prevent fluid re-accumulation. It is not indicated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
D. Synchronized electrical cardioversion: Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a procedure used to restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. It is not typically indicated for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, although patients with HCM may develop arrhythmias as a complication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan may provide detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures, but it is not typically the initial diagnostic test used to assess for cardiac tamponade. CT scans are often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests but are not the first-line investigation for suspected tamponade.
B) Chest x-ray: While a chest x-ray may show signs of cardiac tamponade, such as an enlarged cardiac silhouette or evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart, it is not as sensitive or specific as other diagnostic tests, particularly in the acute setting. Chest x-rays may be obtained as part of the diagnostic workup, but they are not the first-line test for suspected tamponade.
C) Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test for suspected cardiac tamponade. It provides real-time imaging of the heart and can detect pericardial effusion, collapse of the right atrium and ventricle during diastole (diastolic collapse), and signs of hemodynamic compromise. Echocardiography allows for rapid assessment at the bedside and can guide immediate management decisions.
D) Electrocardiogram (ECG): While an electrocardiogram may show nonspecific changes in cardiac tamponade, such as low-voltage QRS complexes or electrical alternans, it is not as sensitive or specific as an echocardiogram for diagnosing tamponade. ECG findings may support the diagnosis but are not typically the first-line test for suspected tamponade.
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