Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
- Are you over 65?
- A quick and simple ultrasound scan can save lives, please see below for more information:
AAA Screening
The NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme’s main aim is to reduce the number of deaths from ruptured AAAs through early detection, appropriate follow-on tests and treatment, by providing a systematic population-based screening programme for those eligible.
About the condition:
An AAA is a weakening and stretching of the main blood vessel (aorta) in the abdominal (tummy) area. The aorta supplies blood to the body.
If you have an AAA there is a risk that it may split or tear (rupture).
An AAA does not usually present with any symptoms, therefore, people do not know they have one.
Main risk factors are being assigned (born) male at birth and age. The risk can increase if you:
- Smoke
- have high blood pressure
- have a close family history of this condition
The test
An ultrasound scan is used to test for an AAA. This takes, on average, approximately 10 minutes and results are usually given straight away.
Who is eligible for screening?
- People assigned male at birth, who are registered with a GP as male and who are in their 65th year and older.
- People assigned male at birth who are registered with their GP as female in their 65th year and older.
- People assigned male at birth who are registered with their GP as non-binary in their 65th year and older.
People who have had an operation to repair an AAA are not eligible for screening. Therefore, if you have had a repair for an AAA and have been invited for screening, please inform your local screening programme – see the ‘Who to contact’ section.