Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Patients with symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) should undergo repair, regardless of AAA diameter, whereas guidelines for asymptomatic patients suggest repair for AAAs > or = 5.5 cm in diameter. For most patients with medium-sized AAAs, regular surveillance and intensive medical therapy are appropriate. Patients with an AAA should undergo intensive risk factor modification including cessation of smoking, treatment of hypertension, statins, beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.