Older men urged to sign up for heart screening session

The Mechanics Institute in Wentworth is inviting all eligible men to attend tomorrow (31), when nurses will test for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) risk. 

An AAA is a swelling of the aorta, which can weaken as it expands. 

There are no symptoms, but an untreated AAA can rupture fatally without warning.

The disease kills around 3,000 men aged 65 and older each year, in England and Wales alone.

The painless, five-minute ultrasound being offered next week scans for early signs of the deadly disease.

Michelle Keefe, screening coordinator at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “As there are no signs and symptoms of the illness, it’s crucial that men aged 65 and over take advantage of this free service. 

“Results are given straight away, which means you can spend the rest of your day enjoying Wentworth and its surrounding attractions.”

Men in their 65th year are invited for AAA screening by letter, but men over 65 who have not previously been screened can make an appointment by calling 01709 649100 or by emailing [email protected].

Organiser Brendan McNamara said: “I want to encourage all men local to Wentworth, Thorpe Hesley and other surrounding areas to book an appointment for this clinic.

“We’ve held similar events in Harley recently and it’s just another way that us men can give ourselves a bit of an MOT and ensure we’re in good health.”

The clinic will take place at the Mechanic Institute, Main Street, Wentworth, — appointments must be booked beforehand.