Consultation on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal widening of the abdominal section of the aorta (the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart).  Over time, the pressure from blood flowing through the aorta can cause the AAA to expand.  If an AAA bursts, it can lead to massive internal bleeding, which is often fatal.  AAA often develops slowly and without symptoms, making it difficult to detect.  The most common risk factors for AAA include being male, increasing age, family history of AAA, smoking, and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension.  A public consultation on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening for men in the Republic of Ireland was recently launched.  Your input to this is being sought at: https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/consultation/draft-health-technology-assessment-screening-abdominal-aortic