In a previous blog post I mentioned being invited to attend an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (also called an AAA screening). I thought I’d describe how it went for anyone who receives a similar invitation and wonders what an AAA screening actually involves.
Disclaimer
The following is taken from the information I was given in advance and my personal experience on the day. If you have any questions or are in any way unsure of your own situation consult your doctor or other health professionals.
What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is caused by a weakness in the wall of the aorta that can develop in some people as they get older. Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. If left untreated the wall of the aorta can burst. About eighty-five out of a hundred people die when an aneurysm bursts.
An AAA is most common in men aged sixty-five and older which is why in the UK screening is offered free to men in the year they turn sixty-five. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and family history of the condition. While men are six times more likely to develop an aneurysm women can also be at risk. A friend of mine was offered a scan because her grandmother died of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
What Does the Screening Involve?
The screening itself is an ultrasound scan of your abdomen, similarly to the scans offered during pregnancy. It’s non-invasive and you don’t need to undress, just lift up or unbutton your shirt. There are no needles or blood tests and I wasn’t asked to provide a urine sample. There’s no need to fast in advance although you are advised not to have a large meal prior to the scan.
What Happened at the Appointment?
I arrived about twenty minutes ahead of my appointment. I hate being rushed and wanted to have time to check in and go to the toilet if I needed to. (I always need to.) I confirmed my name and date of birth at reception and was asked to take a seat in the waiting room. They were running slightly behind schedule but before long I was called through for my appointment.
I was shown into a side room where a nurse checked my details. She outlined what AAA is, what the screening involves, and what would happen if they found anything. An aneurysm can affect your eligibility for travel insurance. If serious, you may be deemed unable to drive until you’ve had treatment. I was asked if I wanted to proceed with the scan, which I did.
I was shown into a different room and asked to lie down. I pulled my t-shirt up and the nurse applied some cool gel (okay it was quite cold!) to my abdomen. She pressed the ultrasound sensor against my skin and moved it a few times while she watched the image on the screen beside the bed. I was surprised at the pressure she needed to apply. It wasn’t painful but it felt a little uncomfortable for the three or four minutes it took for her to complete the procedure.
When Did You Get the Results?
You’re told the results immediately. The scan measures the width of the aorta in two places. Mine were both 1.7 cm which is within the normal range.
Did You Get a Printout?
Not long ago a friend showed me the printouts she’d been given of her antenatal ultrasound scan. I asked if I could have a printout of mine but unfortunately that option wasn’t available. I regret not asking to see the screen, though.
What Happened Afterwards?
If like me your aorta is less than 3 cm wide you don’t have an aneurysm. The results will be sent to your doctor but there’s no need for ongoing monitoring or treatment.
If your aorta is between 3 and 4.4 cm wide you have a small aneurysm. You will be invited back for a scan every twelve months to check if is it getting bigger.
If your aorta is between 4.5 and 5.4 cm you have a medium aneurysm. You will be invited back for a scan every three months to check if is it getting bigger.
If your aorta is 5.5 cm wide or bigger you have a large aneurysm. This affects only around one in a thousand people who are scanned but it is serious and needs to be followed up. You will be given an appointment to have more scans and discuss possible treatment, usually an operation.
What Do You Wish You’d Known In Advance?
There isn’t much I wish I’d known beforehand or done differently. I recommend reading the information you’re sent with the invitation and doing a little research online before you go. The usual warnings against attempting to self-diagnose apply.
Are You Glad You Went?
I’m very glad I took up the invitation. The appointment took around half an hour including checking in and sitting in the waiting room. The scan itself was painless and non-invasive. My advice if you’re invited for an AAA screening is to accept. The odds of there being anything wrong are slim but the consequences of having an aneurysm burst can be severe.
Where Can I Find More Information?
Check out the following resources if you’d like more information.
If you have any further questions or are in any way concerned about your risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm contact your doctor or other health professionals.
Photo by Elen Sher at Unsplash.
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