Feb 26 - GHA Commences Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screenings
The GHA yesterday launched a new screening programme to detect Aneurysms of the Abdominal Aorta that will commence as from Sunday. The programme aims to detect the aneurysms in older men with a higher risk of the condition.
The aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the human body, carries blood from the heart downwards through the chest and the abdomen. It is under constant pressure and in about 6- 9% of older men, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak and start to expand or bulge like a balloon, forming what is called an ‘Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm’. The condition is rare in women and younger men. Aneurysms can rupture suddenly as a catastrophic event, with less than 20% surviving after a rupture. If detected by Screening and operated at the optimal time, survival is around 97%.
Screening involves a painless, non-invasive ultrasound examination that will take about 10 minutes. It will be offered to all GHA entitled men around their 65th birthday by an appointment invitation. The test is a one-off and will not need to be repeated, unless an aneurysm is found. If an aneurysm is found, the test will be repeated at regular intervals to check if the aneurysm is expanding and meanwhile, the person’s general health will be monitored by his GP, who will also offer advice on slowing the growth of the aneurysm. If surgery becomes necessary, this will be arranged in a specialist centre as a GHA sponsored patient.
Commenting on the announcement Health Minister Dr. Cortes said that the GHA has once again pulled together across disciplines ‘to deliver this most important screening programme.’ He added, ‘together with the recent developments in mental health and in employment matters it shows the dynamism with which we are working.’
