Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Why is AAA Screening Important?
This page explains what Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening is and why it is important.
What is AAA Screening?
AAA Screening
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening is carried out to check for aneurysms (bulges in blood vessels) in the aorta.
The Aorta
The aorta is the main artery that carries blood around the body It goes from your heart, down through your chest and tummy.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
As some people get older, the aorta in the tummy can become weak and swollen. This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Who Should Be Screened?
Aged 65 and Over
Men are 6 times more likely to have this type of aneurysm than women. In Scotland, all men aged 65 are invited to attend AAA screening.
Risk Factors
There is a higher chance of having an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm if:
- You are aged 65 and over.
- You smoke.
- You have high cholesterol.
- You have high blood pressure.
- Your brother, sister or parent has had an aneurysm.
Trans Person/Non-Binary
Will I be invited automatically for screening if I’m a trans person or non-binary?
Click here for Information for Trans Person/Non-Binary
Benefits and Risks
Benefits of Screening
Aneurysms often don’t cause any symptoms and the AAA screening test can help to find out if you have an aneurysm that needs to be monitored or treated. If left untreated aneurysms can cause serious problems.
Risks of Screening
An ultrasound scan is used in screening which is a completely safe, painless and reliable test. There are no risks with ultrasound screening. It’s the same technique used to examine a baby during pregnancy.
