The Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin AAA Screening Programme commenced in April 2012.

The aim of the AAA Screening Programme is to reduce deaths from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) through early detection, appropriate monitoring, and treatment. We hold appointments in GP Practices as well as the 2 main hospital sites across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

The invitation leaflet

The invitation leaflet for AAA Screening is available in several languages and formats. Please view the English leaflet and choose an alternative language.

What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

The aorta is the main blood vessel in the body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weakened. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Who is at risk of an AAA?

Men are approximately six times more likely to develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm than women. You are at greater risk if you are or have been a smoker, you have hypertension (high blood pressure), your parent or sibling has or has been treated for an AAA.

Is an AAA serious?

Large aneurisms are rare, but they can be serious if left undetected. As the wall of the aorta stretches, it becomes weaker and can burst, causing internal bleeding. Around 85 out of 100 people die when an aneurysm bursts.

Who can be screened?

Men who are registered with a GP Practice within Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are invited to attend an appointment within the year they turn 65.

If you are over 65 and haven’t been screened you can contact the programme on 01743261048 or email sath.aaa@nhs.net.

Screening for the Trans and Non-Binary community

Whether you are a trans man, trans woman, identify as non-binary or describe your gender in another way, it’s important you’re aware of which screening services you’re eligible for.

Please find out more about the available screening services  and view our local screening information (PDF).

Your screening test

At the screening location a screening technician will check your details and explain the test. You will have a chance to ask questions. Your appointment will usually take no more than 15 minutes.

It is okay to eat before your scan. But if you can, avoid having a heavy meal, this will help us to get a clearer image.

The person doing your test will:

• ask you to lie down and lift, or unbutton, your top.
• apply a cool gel to your abdomen.
• move a small scanner over your skin.
• take measurements of your aorta from an image on a screen.

Sometimes the technician might not be able to see your aorta clearly. This is not anything to worry about. If this happens, you will be asked to have another scan, usually on a different day.

Possible screening results

After the scan, the person who carried out the ultrasound will tell you the result straight away. You will have one of four results:

No aneurysm found
You will be discharged from the service and will not need to be screened again.

Small AAA
We will recall you in 12 months for a surveillance scan. At this appointment we will take new measurements of your AAA to see if it is getting bigger.

Medium AAA
We will recall you in 3 months for a surveillance scan. At this appointment we will take new measurements of your AAA to see if it is getting bigger.

Large AAA
We will refer you to the local vascular department to see a consultant and discuss further treatment which can include surgery.

Your GP will be sent your results. If you have an AAA, you will also be sent a letter with these results.

Deciding to be screened

It is up to you to decide if you want to be screened for AAA. While there are clear benefits of screening, you should also consider the possible risks. There is no risk from the screening test itself, but there is a risk of:

• Anxiety from being told you have a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Serious complications of surgery carried out to treat an AAA.

You will receive a leaflet with your screening invitation to help you make this decision. More information can also be found in the Patient Decision Aid (PDF).

Please call us on 01743 261048 if you would like to discuss your options or to decline screening.

Contact us:

If you would like more information, contact us on 01743 261048 or email sath.aaa@nhs.net.