Men aged 65 or older are being encouraged to go for a free, 10-minute abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening.

Main blood vessel

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

Swelling in your aorta, which could be harmful. Over 80% of people with an untreated abdominal aortic aneurysm die from them. And most abdominal aortic aneurysms do not have any symptoms.

Painless

That’s why getting the painless, 10-minutes scan to detect any swelling is important. It6 can literally save your life.

If any swelling is found it can be monitored and treated. This means it will be less likely to burst or rupture, which can be life threatening.

All men are invited by the NHS for AAA screening in their 65th year. If no aneurysm is found, you only have to have the screening test once. Anyone assigned male at birth who is over the age of 64 can have it.

If you are a man aged 65 or older and you have missed your appointment for your AAA screening, contact your GP practice to arrange one today.

You can find out more about about AAA screening here on the NHS website.