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Aortic Aneurysm - Symptoms
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Overview
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Health Tools
- FAQs
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Increases Your Risk
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Ongoing Concerns
- Living With an Aortic Aneurysm
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Most people with
aortic aneurysms, especially ones in the chest area
(thoracic aortic aneurysms 
), do not have symptoms. But symptoms may begin to occur
if the aneurysm gets bigger and puts pressure on surrounding organs.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
The most
common symptoms of
abdominal aortic aneurysm include general abdominal
(belly) pain or discomfort, which may come and go or be constant. Other
symptoms include:
- Pain in the chest, abdomen, lower back, or flank (over the kidneys), possibly spreading to the groin, buttocks, or legs. The pain may be deep, aching, gnawing, and/or throbbing, and may last for hours or days. It is generally not affected by movement, although certain positions may be more comfortable than others.
- A pulsating sensation in the abdomen.
- A "cold foot" or a black or blue painful toe can happen if an abdominal aortic aneurysm produces a blood clot that breaks off and blocks blood flow to the legs or feet.
- Fever or weight loss, if it is an inflammatory aortic aneurysm.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm are most
evident when the aneurysm occurs where the aorta curves down (aortic arch ). They may include:
- Chest pain, generally described as deep and aching or throbbing. This is the most frequent symptom.
- Back pain.
- A cough or shortness of breath if the aneurysm is in the area of the lungs.
- Hoarseness.
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing.
If an aortic aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, there is sudden, severe pain, an extreme drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock. Without immediate medical treatment, death occurs.
The symptoms of aortic aneurysm are similar to the symptoms of other problems that cause chest or belly pain such as coronary artery disease and peptic ulcer disease.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 26, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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