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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.

A diagram of an abdominal aorta

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.

A diagram of an abdominal aorta with aneurysm

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.

An illustration showing a diagram of an abdominal aorta with aneurysm. There are fuller details defining the location of the heart, abdomen and abdominal aorta.

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.

Older man outside wearing a hat

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.
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Benefits and risks

 

Benefits of screening

People do not usually know they have an AAA.

Aneurysms don’t usually make people feel unwell.

The AAA screening test can find out if you have an aneurysm.

If an AAA is found, it can be checked regularly or treated.

If left untreated aneurysms can cause serious problems.

A man thinking about whether to take part in screening

Risks of screening

An ultrasound scan is used in screening.

This is a safe and painless test. 

The test works well at finding AAAs.

There are no risks with ultrasound screening. 

It is the same method used to look at a baby during pregnancy.

A man thinking about whether to take part in screening

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?


Transgender flag (blue, pink, white, pink, blue horizontal stripes) with the transgender symbol on top

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Last updated: 25 October 2024

Next review date: 31 January 2025