How should I monitor a patient with a small abdominal aortic aneurysm (3-4.4 cm) in primary care?

For a patient with a small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) measuring 3.0 to 4.4 centimeters, the initial step is to refer them to a regional vascular service, to be seen within 12 weeks of diagnosis ¹.

• Monitoring Frequency: Surveillance with aortic ultrasound should be offered for asymptomatic AAAs, using the same frequency as the NHS AAA screening programme ¹.
• Primary Care Role in Risk Reduction: In primary care, your role involves providing information and advice on lifestyle modifications that may help slow the aneurysm's growth ². This includes advising on eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing intake of fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking regular exercise ². It is crucial to offer a referral to a stop smoking service for people with an AAA who smoke ²,¹. You should also regularly monitor blood pressure and ensure that patients with hypertension receive appropriate care ²,¹. Review current medication and prescribe where appropriate ². Additionally, provide the patient with an appropriate leaflet for a small AAA if they have not already received one ². Managing cardiovascular risk factors, such as lipid modification and diabetes, is also important ⁵.