Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

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Men of the North East and North Cumbria…Can you spare 10 minutes? It could save your life

November is men’s health month and a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of a health condition than predominantly affects men.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) mainly affect men aged 65 or over. They are a bulge or swelling in the tummy area of the aorta, which is the main artery, that supplies blood to the body.

They often have no obvious symptoms so you wouldn’t feel any different or know if you had one. If the aneurysms aren’t detected and continue to grow they can burst, which can be life threatening.

Men are invited to have an ultrasound scan, in the year they turn 65. The screening test is very quick, painless and reliable. It is the most effective way to see if you have an AAA and research suggests it can half the risk of dying from a ruptured AAA. Results are given on the day, straight after the scan.

The North East and North Cumbria Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme is hosted by Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead but screens men in clinics local to where they live.

If you receive an invitation please don’t ignore it. It could save your life!

If you have received an appointment that isn’t suitable, you can change it by contacting your local screening service on: 0191 445 8747

Click this link to find out more: qegateshead.nhs.uk/aaa


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