Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Large Retrospective Study in China.

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disorder with substantial regional and demographic variability. While several countries have documented detailed age- and sex-specific epidemiological patterns, corresponding nationwide data remain largely unavailable in China. This knowledge gap limits accurate disease burden estimation and impedes targeted prevention. Moreover, the characteristics of AAA in China's diverse geographic regions-including extremely high-altitude areas-have not been systematically investigated.

METHODS

Data were collected from 40 hospitals in various regions of China on patients diagnosed with AAA between January 2013 and December 2023. We grouped patients based on geographic location and economic status, analyzing age and sex distribution across these regions.

RESULTS

The results indicated significant regional differences in the age distribution of AAA patients across 7 regions of China (P < 0.001), with the youngest patients observed in inland and high-altitude areas, particularly in Tibet. The average age of male patients in North China was the lowest (67.60 years), and the youngest female patients were found in Southwest China (65.81 years). Furthermore, the proportion of female patients was notably higher in inland, high-altitude, and low-income regions (P < 0.001). In Tibet, the average age of AAA patients has dropped to 58.77 years, with more females than males.

CONCLUSION

Compared with other countries, hospitalized AAA patients in China present at a younger age. Factors such as smoking, dietary patterns, metabolic disorders, and exposure to cold environments may contribute to this phenomenon.