2. Screening men for AAA Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk

3. Background 2% The proportion of deaths in men aged 65 and over that are caused by ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms 6,000 The number of deaths from ruptured AAA each year 80% The mortality rate from ruptured AAA 0-6% The post-operative mortality rate for planned AAA surgery in high quality vascular services 95% of ruptured AAA occur in men aged 65 and over Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk

4. Case for screening AAA is generally asymptomatic Simple ultrasound scan of abdomen is easiest way to check whether a man has an AAA Research* shows that screening men aged 65 will reduce death rate from ruptured AAA by around 50% UK National Screening Committee assessed evidence and decided screening men aged 65 could deliver benefits at reasonable cost *The Multi-centre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS). Lancet 2002 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk

5. The big picture Phased roll-out of screening programme across England began in Spring 2009 and is due to complete by 2013 Screening operates separately to the Vascular Risk Management Programme Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk

6. Screening process All men in Hereford and Worcester are invited for screening in the year they turn 65 Men over 65 can self-refer Ultrasound scans carried out at suitable locations, eg GP Practices, Community Hospitals Results provided verbally Results sent in writing to men and their GPs Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk

7. Possible results Normal – less than 3cm – discharged from screening programme Small aneurysm – 3 to 4.4cm – offered appointment with nurse practitioner and yearly surveillance appointments Small aneurysm – 4.5 to 5.4cm – offered appointment with nurse practitioner and 3-monthly surveillance Large aneurysm – 5.5cm or above – referred to consultant vascular surgeon within local programme’s defined Vascular Network Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk

8. AAA advice It is recommended that patients with AAA should: Commence/continue aspirin and statin therapy unless there are contraindications Eat a healthy balanced diet and reduce intake of fatty foods Stop smoking Maintain a healthy weight Take regular exercise Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk

9. Further information For men: National leaflets Local AAA screening centre http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk Tracey Bayliss, AAA Screening Programme Co-ordinator, Tel 01905 733830 & Email: Tracey.Bayilss@worcsacute.nhs.uk For health professionals: Eric Grocott, Programme Director, Mobile 07879 492792. Tracey Bayliss, AAA Screening Programme Co-ordinator, Tel 01905 733830 & email: Tracey.Bayliss@worcsacute.nhs.uk Tracey.Bayliss@worcsacute.nhs.uk Information sheet for Primary Care Mike Harris, NAAASP Communications Lead, Tel 01452 318844, Mobile 07824 408031 & email: Mike.Harris@nhs.netMike.Harris@nhs.net NAAASP website, http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk/professionals Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk