Customer question:
How to identify an aortic aneurysm? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Pain can be one of the first noticeable symptoms of an aortic aneurysm. It usually occurs in the abdomen or back, depending mainly on the location of the aneurysm. The pain may appear suddenly or slowly intensify. If the aortic aneurysm is closer to the heart, referred pain may occur in the chest or heart area. Some people may develop a pulsating mass in the abdomen or abdominal region that can be seen or felt.
An aortic aneurysm that presses on neighboring organs can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. If it presses on adjacent nerves or causes reduced blood flow to the brain, symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness may occur. A ruptured aortic aneurysm can cause internal bleeding into the abdominal cavity, which can cause severe abdominal pain, shock, and a life-threatening condition.
Can an aortic aneurysm develop suddenly?
Aortic aneurysms can develop gradually or appear suddenly, depending on several factors, including whether the aneurysm is congenital or acquired, and what risk factors are present. Some aortic aneurysms can develop without noticeable symptoms and are only discovered incidentally during a routine medical exam or imaging for an entirely different reason. Other aneurysms, however, may cause symptoms or complications that lead to prompt diagnosis. Congenital aortic aneurysms can be detected in early childhood or even at birth if there are genetic or hereditary predispositions. In these cases, aortic aneurysms can cause severe complications if not detected and treated in time.
Acquired aortic aneurysms usually develop gradually and are often associated with risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries), and other cardiovascular health effects. In these cases, an aortic aneurysm can develop without noticeable symptoms until it reaches a large enough size or a sudden event occurs, such as an aneurysm rupture, which can cause life-threatening symptoms and consequently require immediate treatment. Even though an aortic aneurysm can develop gradually or suddenly, early detection and treatment are crucial.
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