Survivor of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm rupture appeals for men to take up NHS Screening Programme.

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a big bump in a large blood tube in your tummy. This bump can get bigger and can be dangerous.

If you want help to understand more, you can ask a doctor to explain. You can also use a picture or a video about AAA to learn. It is okay to ask questions if you do not understand.

Why is AAA screening important?

AAA screening checks for a big swelling in a blood tube in your tummy. This is called an aneurysm. It can make you very sick if it bursts. Checking early helps keep you safe.

If reading is hard for you, ask someone you trust to help explain. You can also try reading out loud or using tools that read the text for you.

Who can get the NHS AAA test?

How is the AAA screening test done?

The AAA screening test checks for a big bump in your tummy blood tube. It is called an aneurysm. Here is how the test is done:

• You lie down on a bed.
• A nurse or doctor puts some jelly on your tummy.
• They use a small tool to look inside your tummy. It is like a camera but uses sound waves.
• The tool shows pictures on a screen.
• It does not hurt and is very quick.

If you need help understanding this or remembering things, maybe ask someone you trust to come with you. They can help listen and ask questions. You can also use pictures or drawings to remember what will happen.

What happens if a doctor finds an aneurysm during a check-up?

Are there any dangers with the AAA test?

Do you have to pay for AAA screening with the NHS?

If you get an AAA test with the NHS, it is free. You do not need to pay.

Can women also have AAAs?

Yes, women can have AAAs. An AAA, or Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, is a swelling in a big blood vessel in the tummy. It is more common in men, but women can have it too.

To stay healthy, it is good to see a doctor if there is pain in the tummy or back. Doctors can do special tests to check for AAAs.

Talking to a friend or family member can be helpful. They can go with you to the doctor.

How can people check if they can get AAA screening?

If you want to know if you can get AAA screening, do this:

• Talk to your doctor. They can tell you if you need the test.
• Check letters from your doctor or hospital. They might send you a letter if you can get screening.
• Some places have websites where you can check. Ask someone to help you look online.

Using a calendar or asking a friend to remind you can help you not to forget appointments or check-ups.

What makes getting an AAA more likely?

What happens if an AAA bursts?

An AAA is a big blood tube in your tummy. If it bursts, it can be very serious. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Strong pain in your belly or lower back.
• Feeling weak or dizzy.
• Feeling very cold and sweaty.
• Nausea or throwing up.

If you see these signs, tell an adult or a doctor right away. It is important to act fast.

Helpful tips:

• Use a picture or drawing to understand better.
• Ask someone to explain it to you if you're not sure.

Can changing how you live stop an AAA from happening?

An AAA is a big bump in a blood tube near your heart. Changing how you live can help. Here are some ideas:

• Eat healthy food like fruits and vegetables.
• Do activities like walking or playing outside.
• Stop smoking if you do; it is not good for your health.
• Go to the doctor to check your heart and blood.

It is important to look after your body. If you need more help, you can talk to a doctor or use simple apps to remember healthy habits.

How many people survive an AAA rupture?

How many times do doctors need to check a small aneurysm with a scan?

If doctors find a small aneurysm in your body, they will want to keep an eye on it. This means doing scans every now and then. A scan is a special picture that shows what is happening inside your body.

Here is what you need to know:

• Doctors usually do these scans every few months or every year.
• The doctor will tell you how often you need a scan. It depends on how big the aneurysm is.
• These scans help doctors see if the aneurysm is changing or getting bigger.
• Doing regular scans helps keep you safe and healthy.

If you find it hard to remember when your scans are, you can:

• Use a calendar or diary to write down the scan dates.
• Ask someone to help remind you about your appointments.
• Set a reminder on your phone if you have one.

Where can you find more information about the NHS AAA screening program?

You can find more information about the NHS AAA screening program on the NHS website. It can help to use tools like a screen reader or ask someone to help you read the website. If you need more help, you can call your doctor or nurse and ask them about the program.