Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

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Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a test to check if there’s a swelling in your aorta, which is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the tummy (abdomen).

Why abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is done

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is done to check if there are any swellings (aneurysms) in the main blood vessel in your tummy (abdomen), called the aorta. The aorta runs from your heart down to your abdomen.

Who abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is for

All men living in England are invited for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening the year they turn 65.

AAA screening is recommended for anyone assigned male at birth. This includes men, trans women and non-binary people.

You’ll have the AAA screening test once, unless an aneurysm is found.

Men are invited for AAA screening because they’re more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

AAA screening is not usually offered to people with a lower risk of getting an abdominal aortic aneurysm, including:

  • men under 65
  • women
  • people who have already had treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm

How to get abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

During the year you turn 65, you’ll get a letter inviting you for a pre-booked abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening appointment.

Should this be of interest to you and you have not received a letter, kindly telephone:

0191 445 8747