The researchers assessed potential risk factors for rupture of AAA in 161,808 postmenopausal women.

At the end of the eight-year study, they identified 184 cases of abdominal aneurysm events, with smokers eight times more likely to suffer a rupture than non-smokers. Smokers were also four times more likely to suffer a rupture compared with women who had quit smoking.

Additionally, they found HRT provided protection from AAA events despite previous smaller studies reporting that it could increase the risk.

Women with diabetes were also found to have a reduced risk of AAA events. But increasing weight, hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary and peripheral artery disease were found to increase risk of AAA events.

If incidence of the condition continues to rise, researchers added, a national screening programme for smokers could be required.

- BMJ Online 2008.

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