The aorta is the vein in the body responsible for providing the legs, pelvis and abdomen with blood from the heart. If an area weakens and begins to bulge, it is called an aortic aneurysm. Some aneurysms remain small and grow slowly. Others grow quickly and may rupture if they're not treated. The rupture of an aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency. Another possible complication of an aortic aneurysm is a blood clot. If you think that you are exhibiting symptoms of an aneurysm, an internal rupture or a blood clot, get medical help right away.
As the Aneurysm Grows
A growing aneurysm often does not cause any symptoms. Sometimes, however, a person may notice a pulsing sensation in the abdomen near the navel. This can indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the most common type. A growing aneurysm may also cause pain in the abdomen, chest or back, a stiffened abdomen or what feels like a mass in the abdomen, according to MedLine Plus.
If the Aneurysm Ruptures
A ruptured aneurysm can cause death or severe damage from internal bleeding. Symptoms of a rupture can come on suddenly, even if there were no symptoms of the aneurysm as it grew. These symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, include sudden and severe pain in the abdomen, chest or back that may radiate down the legs; sweating and clamminess; dizziness; rapid, weak pulse; shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness.
Complications
The Mayo Clinic states that having an aneurysm can be a risk factor in developing a blood clot. If a blood clot forms and breaks off, it can restrict the blood that flows to the legs. A blood clot can also cause complications such as a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism.
MedLine Plus lists the symptoms of these types of complications. Symptoms of a heart attack include a crushing chest pain, anxiety, cough, fainting and sweating. Stroke symptoms include a severe headache, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and speech and comprehension difficulties. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lung. Symptoms include a sudden shortness of breath, sweating, rapid heartbeat and a sudden cough.
