Aortic Aneurysm: The Silent Risk in Nigerian Men

The Risk Nobody Talks About

An aortic aneurysm is a bulging weakness in the wall of the aorta — the body's largest artery. It grows slowly and silently, producing no symptoms until it ruptures. Rupture is almost always fatal, with only 20% of patients surviving to reach surgery. In Nigeria, where vascular screening is virtually non-existent, most aneurysms are found incidentally or at autopsy.

Who Is Most at Risk

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• Men over 65 — the highest risk group globally; in Nigeria, relevant from age 55 given earlier onset of vascular disease
• Current or former smokers — smoking is the single greatest modifiable risk factor
• Hypertension — chronically elevated pressure stresses the aortic wall
• Family history of aneurysm — first-degree relatives have 4x elevated risk
• Atherosclerosis — those with coronary or peripheral artery disease have elevated risk
• Connective tissue disorders — Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome cause aortic fragility

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

A single abdominal ultrasound — a simple, non-invasive, painless test — screens for abdominal aortic aneurysm. In the UK, all men are offered this at age 65. In Nigeria, no national programme exists. FXMed advocates for and facilitates vascular screening for at-risk individuals.

Functional Vascular Health

While an established aneurysm requires surgical monitoring, vascular health can be actively maintained: blood pressure optimisation, smoking cessation support, anti-inflammatory nutrition, omega-3 supplementation, and cholesterol management all reduce the rate of aneurysm growth and overall vascular risk. FXMed's Longevity Programme integrates vascular risk assessment into comprehensive health planning for Lagos men over 50. Book your cardiovascular screening today.