The aorta is the main blood vessel in the body. It carries blood away from the heart and distributes it throughout the rest of if circulatory system. The aorta descends into the abdomen where it supplies blood to the kidneys, legs and stomach. An aneurysm, or a weak spot, may form in the abdominal aorta which can leak or tear and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Family Doctor.org advises that an abdominal aortic aneurysm may not cause any symptoms unless it begins to leak.
Abdominal Mass
An aortic abdominal aneurysm may begin to swell as blood leaks into it, similar to a balloon filling with water. If the aneurysm becomes large enough, it may be felt through the abdominal wall. A person with an abdominal aneurysm may notice a bulge or mass in the abdomen anywhere between the rib cage and navel. The bulge may pulsate when touched from the flow of blood beating against the aneurysm wall. The area may feel tender or painful when touched. Merck Manuals state that some people with abdominal aneurysm feel a pulsating sensation in the abdomen, though no mass is present.
Pain
Abdominal aortic aneurysm may place pressure on other structures inside the body, including nerves in the lower back, according to "Professional Guide to Diseases"; Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2009. A person may experience pain in the lower back that radiates to the back of the legs, groin or buttocks. Men may experience testicular pain if the aneurysm is large enough to press on nerves in the genital region.
Emergency Symptoms
Rupture or leakage of an abdominal aortic aneurysm may cause additional symptoms. Abdominal pain may become severe and persistent. It may radiate to the lower back or chest. Vital signs begin to change as more blood is lost from a leaking aneurysm. Blood pressure becomes low while pulse rate increases in attempt to circulate blood. A person with these symptoms may have clammy, cool skin and sweating. He may have shortness of breath and feel anxious or unsettled. "Professional Guide to Diseases"; Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2009 states that a person with a leaking aneurysm may feel normal for several hours after the leak occurs, depending on the size and severity of the leak, before feeling symptoms. Immediate care is required; however, once a leak is suspected, to prevent death.
