Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart through the chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the walls of the aorta become weak; it can then start to expand and form what is called an aneurysm. Left undetected, this swelling can expand to the point where it can rupture, usually causing death.

The risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is 6 times higher if you are male. Other factors which increase your risk include high blood pressure and smoking.

For several years, our surgery has been involved in a pilot project, run by St George’s Hospital, to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms. The pilot studies have been successful in the early detection of aneurysms and offering treatment, thereby saving lives. As a result, the Department of Health has decided that the screening programme will be adopted nationally from Spring 2009.

As part of the national programme, all men during their 65th year will be invited for screening. The screening involves an ultrasound scan, which looks at the blood vessels in your tummy. For further information about abdominal aneurysm screening, please refer to the UK screening portal.

To reduce the risks of developing an aneurysm, we encourage everyone to stop smoking and to have regular blood pressure checks. If you have a family member who has had an anuerysm diagnosed, please visit your GP for further advice.

Vascular Risk Screening

Over the next three years, the government is planning to implement a vascular screening programme aimed at detecting adults at risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.