What are the Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm?
Aortic aneurysm is an unusual enlargement of the wall of the aorta, the main artery. Due to various factors, the aortic vessel cannot withstand normal blood pressure and expands.
The symptoms of an aortic aneurysm usually depend on the size and location of the aneurysm. Aneurysms are often asymptomatic, especially if they are small, and may even be asymptomatic if they are very large. Symptoms of aortic aneurysm are more likely to occur as the aneurysm enlarges. Possible symptoms of aortic aneurysm can be listed as follows;
- Back or chest pain: As the aortic aneurysm progresses, there may be a feeling of pain in the chest and back. It occurs especially in ascending, arch and descending aortic aneurysms. If the pain is persistent, it suggests that the aneurysm has the potential to rupture as well as the potential for growth and warns to take early precautions.
- Abdominal pain Abdominal pain may occur when an aortic aneurysm, especially an abdominal aortic aneurysm, grows. As the aneurysm grows, it can put pressure on the aortic wall and cause sudden and severe pain in the abdomen.
- Low back pain: It can be caused by aneurysms, especially in the abdominal region, and is characterised by a constant and dull pain.
- Coughing: A progressing and growing aneurysm presses on the This can cause coughing as well as shortness of breath.
- Hoarseness Another symptom of aortic aneurysm is hoarseness. This occurs as a result of the aneurysm pressing on the vocal cord.
- Feeling of congestion in the throat: An aneurysm can put pressure on the oesophagus or windpipe. Pressure can also cause a feeling of congestion in the throat.
- Difficulty swallowing: Another area where the aneurysm presses is the oesophagus and throat. This pressure may cause difficulty in swallowing.
- Shortness of breath One of the symptoms of aortic aneurysm is shortness of breath. The aneurysm may cause pressure in the lungs and respiratory tract. This can lead to shortness of breath.
- Symptoms due to rupture of the aneurysm: If the aneurysm ruptures (ruptured), severe pain, sudden onset of sweating, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, shock symptoms and sudden death may occur. This is a condition that requires immediate intervention.
The above-mentioned symptoms of aortic aneurysm are usually recognised when the aneurysm progresses. In some cases, the diameter of aneurysms can grow without any symptoms. Therefore, even if you do not have symptoms of aortic aneurysm, you can consult a Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist and have the necessary tests performed.
It is extremely important that people with the above symptoms of aortic aneurysm consult a Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist and have the necessary controls. If the aortic aneurysm is not treated, it can lead to complications resulting in death.
