CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a pathological dilation occurring in the lower portion of the aorta, frequently observed in elderly patients due to arterial wear associated with aging. As age progresses, the integrity of the arterial wall deteriorates, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications such as thrombosis, embolism, and rupture. These complications are particularly severe in older adults, as they may have additional comorbidities that exacerbate morbidity and mortality associated with the aneurysm. Objective: The systematic review aimed to analyze the existing literature on the cardiovascular complications associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm in elderly patients, focusing on the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic consequences of these complications. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist to ensure transparency and consistency in the research. The search was performed in the databases PubMed, Scielo, and Web of Science, using the following descriptors: "abdominal aortic aneurysm," "cardiovascular complications," "elderly," "aneurysm rupture," and "clinical management." Articles published in the last 10 years addressing cardiovascular complications of abdominal aortic aneurysm in elderly patients were included. Results: The analysis revealed that the most frequent cardiovascular complications associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm in the elderly include aneurysm rupture, thrombosis, and embolism. Aneurysm rupture is a medical emergency with a high mortality rate and requires immediate surgical intervention. Thrombosis can lead to peripheral artery obstruction and chronic arterial insufficiency, while embolism may result in severe thromboembolic events such as stroke. Additionally, clinical management is often complicated by other cardiovascular conditions present in elderly patients, such as hypertension and heart failure. Conclusion: In summary, cardiovascular complications of abdominal aortic aneurysm represent a significant challenge for elderly patients, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for management and prevention. A thorough understanding of these complications is crucial for improving clinical outcomes and optimizing patient treatment. Research and clinical practice should continue to focus on early detection and efficient management of these conditions to reduce mortality and enhance the quality of life for affected patients.