Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
Why is screening important?
This page explains what abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is and why it is important.
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 or AAA.
AAA screening
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is carried out to check for aneurysms or bulges in the aorta.
If an aneurysm is found it can be checked regularly to see if it is getting bigger and needs to be treated.
Some abdominal aortic aneurysms can cause serious health problems if they are not treated.
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.
Things that increase the chance of having a AAA
There is more 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.
Screening for transgender and non-binary people
Trans person/non-binary
Will I be invited automatically for screening if I’m a trans person or non-binary?
Information for trans/non-binary people
Benefits of screening
Aneurysms don’t usually make people feel unwell, so they do not usually know they have one.
The AAA screening test can find out if you have an aneurysm so it can be checked regularly or treated.
If left untreated aneurysms can cause serious problems.
Risks of screening
An ultrasound scan is used in screening.
This is a safe, painless and reliable test.
There are no risks with ultrasound screening.
It is the same method used to look at a baby during pregnancy.
