About the ServiceThe Highland and Islands Ultrasound Screenin Programe [HASP]
Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a significant cause of death in elderly men. Detecting the aneurysm when it is small and amenable to surgical treatment has been shown to reduce the mortality of this condition. Since 2001, 13,500 men in Highland and Western Isles have been offered screening with 90% uptake. The ultrasound scan is usually done in GP surgeries, close to the patient’s home and the scan itself has no risk associated with it. If the man does not have an aneurysm at age 65, the likelihood of developing one which goes on to rupture in his lifetime is extremely low. Plans are being developed for a national screening programme.
