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.