Aortic aneurysms and dissections were the cause of 9,904 deaths in the United States in 2019, according to the CDC, and most grow quietly for years without any warning at all. When symptoms finally appear, they are easy to blame on back trouble, indigestion, or age.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute describes an aortic aneurysm as a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If the wall keeps stretching, it can tear or rupture, and rupture is often fatal.
The signals listed by federal health authorities are worth learning. Catching one of them can be the difference between a scheduled operation and a medical emergency.
Seven signals worth taking seriously
1. A pulsating feeling in the stomach area. The NHLBI lists "a pulsating or throbbing feeling in your stomach area" as a possible sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
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2. Deep, steady pain in the belly or lower back. The CDC notes that abdominal aortic aneurysms can cause ongoing pain or throbbing in the abdomen, back, or groin, which may last for hours or days.
3. Pain that spreads to the groin, pelvis, or legs. As an abdominal aneurysm grows, it can press on nearby structures. The Cleveland Clinic describes this as "pain in your leg, groin or pelvic area."
4. Hoarseness or voice changes. The NHLBI lists hoarseness among symptoms of a thoracic aneurysm, which can occur when the enlarged aorta presses on a nerve that controls the voice box.
5. Difficulty swallowing. The NHLBI describes "difficult or painful swallowing if the aneurysm pushes on your esophagus" as a possible sign of an aneurysm in the chest.
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6. Shortness of breath. Federal health information notes that shortness of breath can occur "if the aneurysm presses on your lung." The CDC also flags trouble breathing among symptoms of a thoracic aneurysm.
7. Sudden, severe pain with light-headedness or a rapid heart rate. These signal a possible rupture. The NHLBI describes it as sudden, severe pain in the stomach area, chest, or back, along with light-headedness and a fast heartbeat. Call 911 without delay.
Who is most at risk
Risk climbs sharply with age. The NHLBI says abdominal aortic aneurysms are most common in adults after age 65, and cigarette smoking is one of the main factors that raises the risk. Men develop them more often than women, and roughly 59 percent of aortic aneurysm and dissection deaths in 2019 occurred in men, per the CDC.
High blood pressure is another driver, and family history matters. Roughly one in ten people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm has a family history of the condition, according to the NHLBI. Anyone with a first-degree relative who has had one should mention it to a doctor.
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The screening recommendation to know
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time abdominal ultrasound to screen for aortic aneurysm in men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. The recommendation, issued in December 2019, carries a Grade B rating, meaning the task force found moderate net benefit.
Screening is not routinely recommended for women who have never smoked and have no family history. For older women who have smoked, the task force says the evidence is insufficient to weigh benefits and harms. Anyone worried about symptoms or family risk should talk to a doctor rather than wait.
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This article is made and published by Jesper Bengtson, who may have used AI in the preparation.