Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

Key Messages

• AAA screening is offered to all men aged 65 years and over who live in Scotland.

• As some people get older, the wall of the aorta (the main blood vessel running from the heart to your stomach) can become weak causing a bulge or swelling. This bulge or swelling is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA.

• The AAA screening test can help identify if you have an aneurysm and if this needs to be monitored or treated. If you have an aneurysm, you may feel completely healthy with no symptoms.

• The screening test for AAA is an ultrasound scan of your abdomen which takes about 10 minutes and is safe, reliable and painless.

• It is estimated that about 1 in 20 men aged 65 and over in Scotland have an AAA.

Further Information

Want to find out more about AAA screening or book an appointment?

Phone: 01224 553905

Email: gram.aaascreeningprogramme@nhs.scot

Visit: www.nhsinform.scot/aaascreening

Training Courses

If you’re involved in delivering preventative health information or working with underserved communities, specialised online training modules are available to support your understanding of AAA screening and help you effectively engage with eligible individuals. These modules cover: 

• The importance of AAA screening and how it works. 
• Common questions or concerns individuals may have about the test. 
• How to communicate the risks and benefits of screening to eligible individuals and their families. 

Access the modules here: NHS Scotland National Screening Programmes

Resources 

If you wish to order any resources (like leaflets, posters etc.) in English, you can do so for free at HPAC. 

You can register for a free account and order resources for collection at Summerfield House or delivery at any NHS premise you work within. To find out more information about this service, please visit: Health Information Resources Service

Translations, large print, BSL and easy read versions are available for download at Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening | NHS inform