Guidance

Managing your large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

Updated 26 November 2025

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/screening-results-large-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/your-screening-results-you-have-a-large-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-aaa

This information is for anyone with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening result.

Your AAA screening result

When we screened you, we found that your aorta is 5.5cm or wider. This is wider than usual, and means you have a large AAA.

Around 1 in 2,500 men we screen has a large AAA.

We will arrange an appointment for you to see a specialist, usually within 2 weeks. The specialist will arrange further tests and talk to you about possible treatment options. The usual treatment for a large AAA is surgery.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

An AAA is a swelling in the aorta. The aorta is the artery that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen (tummy).

In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can weaken. It can then start to swell (like a balloon) and form an aneurysm.

The condition is most common in men aged 65 and over.

Understanding your result                                               

A large AAA can be serious. As the wall of the aorta stretches, it weakens and can burst, causing internal bleeding. If this happens, it is a medical emergency.

Around 85 out of every 100 people with a burst AAA die as a result. The risk of a large AAA bursting is usually higher than the risk from an operation to repair it.

It is important to remember that AAAs do not burst in most people who have them. Contact your local AAA screening service if you have questions about your screening result.

What happens next

We will pass your details to a specialist vascular team. They will give you an appointment usually within the next 2 weeks. The specialists will:

  • ask you about your medical history
  • carry out a full examination
  • arrange a CT scan to get a more detailed view of your aorta.
  • arrange further tests on your heart, lungs and kidneys to check that you are fit for surgery, if needed
  • talk to you about the benefits and risks of treatment
  • answer any questions you have.

Surgery for a large AAA

The specialist vascular team will talk to you about treatment options and the possible risks.

Treatment for AAAs found through screening is usually effective. However, all operations have risks. Around 1 in 67 people die after surgery to repair an AAA.

If you have other serious medical conditions, surgery may carry a higher risk. For a small number of men, surgery may not be possible.

You can help reduce the risk of complications if you need surgery for your AAA by:

  • stopping smoking, if you are a smoker – find more information at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
  • making sure your blood pressure is within safe limits
  • eating healthily
  • losing weight, if you are overweight
  • staying active every day to improve general fitness
  • cutting down on alcohol.

Having an operation is your choice. If you do not have an operation, the specialist team will talk to you about other options.

Looking after your health

Your GP can give you advice on looking after your health. They may also want to give you medicine or review any prescribed medicine you already take.

If you go into hospital for any reason, you should let the staff know that you have a large AAA found through screening.

You do not need to make any other changes to your lifestyle. You can continue with any sports or hobbies.

Symptoms to be aware of

AAAs usually have no symptoms, and it is unlikely that you will feel any pain or discomfort. However, it is important to be aware of any symptoms of a burst AAA.

If you have severe, lasting pain in your lower back or abdomen, you should seek urgent medical help. Call an ambulance or go to A&E straight away and tell them you have a large AAA.

Telling close relatives

The risk of having an AAA increases if your biological brother, sister or parent has had one.

This means any brothers, sisters or children you have may be at risk too. They can ask their GP about the possibility of having a scan 5 years before they reach the age you were when your AAA was found.

Driving

Car drivers and motorcyclists:

  • must tell the DVLA if your AAA is 6cm or more
  • must not drive if your AAA is 6.5cm or more but can drive again once it has been successfully treated.

Bus, coach and lorry drivers:

  • must tell the DVLA that you have an AAA, no matter the size
  • must not drive, as your AAA is 5.5cm wide or larger, but can drive again once it has been successfully treated.

Visit www.gov.uk/aneurysm-and-driving to find out more.

More information and support

You can get more information at:

We use personal information from your NHS records to invite you for screening at the right time. This information helps us improve the screening programme and deliver quality care. Read more about how we use and protect your information.

Find out how to opt out of screening.

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