Aortic aneurysm: who should have a screening scan?

Most aneurysms cause no symptoms until they are large. A 10-minute ultrasound finds them early.

The aorta is the main artery running through the abdomen. In some people its wall weakens and slowly balloons outwards. This is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It rarely causes symptoms, which is why it is worth looking for.

A screening scan is especially worth considering for men aged 65 or over, anyone who smokes or used to smoke, people with high blood pressure, and anyone with a parent or sibling who had an aneurysm. The check is a painless ultrasound of the abdomen, and the result is clear on the same visit.

Small aneurysms are usually watched with regular scans, alongside stopping smoking and controlling blood pressure. Larger ones can be repaired, often with a stent graft placed through small cuts in the groin. Sudden severe pain in the abdomen or back is an emergency.