At what age range should abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening begin?

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is recommended to target the population at highest risk for this condition. The established guidelines suggest that men, in particular, who are between the ages of 65 and 75 should undergo a one-time screening with ultrasound, as they are at increased risk due to factors such as age, gender (being male), and smoking history.

The rationale for beginning screening in this age group is based on epidemiological studies indicating that the incidence of AAA significantly increases after age 65. Men in this demographic are statistically more likely to have an aneurysm large enough to warrant attention, thus making screening both a preventative and a cost-effective measure to reduce mortality associated with AAA.

While there are other age ranges mentioned, they do not align with the most current guidelines, which focus on the 65 to 75 age bracket to ensure that those who are most likely to benefit from early detection and management are appropriately screened. This targeted approach promotes better outcomes by identifying at-risk individuals before they experience life-threatening complications.