Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of checking if there is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from your heart down through your tummy. This bulge or swelling is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA. It can be serious if it is not spotted early on because it could get bigger and eventually burst (rupture).

Who is screened for AAA

In England, screening for AAA is offered to men during the year they turn 65. Men aged 65 or over are most at risk of AAAs. Screening can help spot a swelling in the aorta early on when it can be treated.

Screening for AAA isn't routinely offered to:

• women
• men under 65
• people who've already been treated for an AAA

This is because the risk of an AAA is much smaller in these groups. You can ask for a scan to check for an AAA if you think you might need one but haven't been offered a screening test.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Schematic diagram showing the different types of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy.

An AAA can be dangerous if it isn't spotted early on. It can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), causing life-threatening bleeding. Men aged 65 and over are most at risk of AAAs. This is the reason why men are invited for screening to check for an AAA when they're 65.