Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of checking if there’s 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’s not spotted early on because it could get bigger and eventually burst (rupture).

Who’s 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 getting AAAs. Screening can help spot a swelling in the aorta early on when it can usually be treated.

Screening for AAA is not routinely offered to:

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

This is because the risk of getting an AAA is much smaller in these groups.

If you’re over 65 years old, you can ask for a scan to check for an AAA if you think you might need one but have not been offered a screening test.

How to get screened for AAA

If you’re a man and registered with a GP, you’ll get a screening invitation in the post when you’re 64 or soon after your 65th birthday. You can then arrange an appointment that suits you.

If you’re a man over 65 and have not been screened before, you can ask for a test by contacting your local AAA screening service directly.

For more information please visit Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening – NHS (www.nhs.uk)