Medical management of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Medical management of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is required for several different reasons. Since these patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular death therapy to reduce cardiovascular events is essential. Treatment is in line with the medical management of coronary artery disease including smoking cessation, statins and anti-platelet therapy. Some of these therapies also will slow aneurysm growth. Currently there is no proven focused therapy that reduces aneurysm growth, but the emerging strategies are discussed. Medical management also is required to reduce peri-operative risks and stabilise endovascular aneurysm repair. Whilst some of the therapies targeting cardiovascular risk reduction may be helpful, other emerging strategies are discussed.