NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme

Are you male and 65 or over?

If so, you can have a quick, free and simple scan to see if you have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)


What is an Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm?
The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and from what is called an aortic abdominal aneurysm.


The following are not screened; Men who have already had aortic surgery (although aortic valve surgery is fine) & men who have a severe medical condition contra-indicating surgery.

The chance of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm can also increase if:

• You smoke


• You have high blood pressure


• You have a sibling or parent who has, or has had, an abdominal aortic anuerysm.

It is estimated that around 1 in 25 men aged between 65 and 74 in England have an abdominal aortic anuerysm. This is about 4% of men in the age group.

Contact the South Devon & Exeter AAA Screening Programme on 01803 655441 or visit aaa.screening.nhs.uk for more information.