Why AAA screening at 65 really matters

This year, NHS England North West shared the story of Liverpool entertainer Rob Shaw, who was invited for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening when he turned 65. He felt completely well, but a short ultrasound scan picked up a small bulge in the main artery in his tummy.

Over the next few years, that swelling was monitored by the NHS AAA Screening Programme. When it grew large enough to be risky, Rob was offered planned surgery at Liverpool University Hospitals. The operation went well and he was soon back to driving and performing, describing the whole process as “lifesaving”.

Rob’s experience underlines one key message:

You may feel fine – but AAA screening can still save your life.

If you receive an invitation for AAA screening at 65, the most important thing you can do is go to your appointment.

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a swelling or bulge in this artery in the tummy area.

Key points:

  • Most people with an AAA have no symptoms
  • The risk is that the swelling keeps growing until it bursts (ruptures)
  • A ruptured aneurysm causes severe internal bleeding and is often fatal

Because there are usually no warning signs, finding an AAA early, before it causes problems, is crucial.

Who is offered NHS AAA screening?

In England, the NHS AAA Screening Programme offers a one-off ultrasound scan to:

  • All men in the year they turn 65
  • Anyone assigned male at birth over 65 who has not been screened before (they can self-refer)

AAA is more common in:

  • Men over 65
  • Current or former smokers
  • People with high blood pressure
  • Those with a close relative who has had an AAA

Women can also develop aneurysms, especially with strong family history or other risk factors, but they are not routinely invited and may need individual referral via their GP or a vascular specialist.

What happens at the screening scan?

The AAA screening ultrasound is quick and straightforward:

  1. You lie on a couch and loosen clothing around your tummy
  2. Gel is applied to your abdomen
  3. A handheld probe is moved over the skin to measure the size of your aorta

The scan is painless, usually takes around 10 minutes, and you get your result straight away.

Depending on the measurement, you will either:

  • Be discharged with no further scans
  • Be offered regular monitoring scans if the aorta is slightly enlarged
  • Be referred to a vascular specialist if the aneurysm is large enough to need treatment

Rob followed this pathway: early detection, careful monitoring, then planned surgery at the right time.

How Liverpool Vascular Clinic can help

Liverpool Vascular Clinic is a partnership of vascular specialists providing assessment and treatment for aneurysms, including abdominal aortic aneurysms, using both open and keyhole (endovascular) approaches.

We fully support the NHS AAA Screening Programme and encourage everyone invited at 65 to attend their NHS scan first.

We can also help if:

  • You have missed or never received your NHS AAA screening
  • You are not eligible for routine screening but have risk factors or a family history
  • You already know you have an aneurysm and want a second opinion
  • You wish to discuss monitoring or surgery with an experienced vascular and endovascular surgeon

Our team works closely with the wider Liverpool vascular network, including Liverpool University Hospitals and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, to provide joined-up care for patients with aneurysms and other complex vascular conditions.

If you are unsure whether you should be screened or reviewed, our consultants can talk through your risk factors and arrange appropriate tests.

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