An aneurysm is a ballooned out area of a blood vessel. The aorta is the large blood vessel that runs from the heart down the center of the body. Sometimes the aorta develops an aneurysm. These occur because of plaque building up in the walls of the aorta or a weakness in the vessel due to high blood pressure. This condition needs close monitoring, because the blood vessel can leak or rupture and cause death from internal bleeding. The signs vary depending on the area of the aorta affected. According to the American Heart Association, the possible locations include the chest cavity (called a thoracic aneurysm) and the abdomen.
General Signs
The beginning stages of a growing aneurysm may show no signs. The small areas that are bulging, but not leaking, often go unnoticed. The area may grow at a slow rate for years before detection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, aortic aneurysms diagnoses occur during imaging scans such as an X-ray or MRI. Repeating images to monitor the size of the aneurysm is important to determine if it is growing, especially for individuals with no symptoms. Once the aneurysm begins to leak, sharp and severe pain develops. The pain begins suddenly and occurs in the abdomen, chest or back---depending on the location of the aneurysm.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
In addition to the generalized signs of an aortic aneurysm, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may have symptoms differing from a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Near the navel in the abdomen, the aneurysm may create the ability to see or feel a pulse. Tenderness and pain may be felt in the abdomen and back. According to VascularWeb.org, the aneurysm may shed material that causes pain, sores or discoloration on the feet and toes. This is a rare sign of an aneurysm.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
In addition to generalized aortic aneurysm signs, the aneurysm in the chest cavity may also cause different symptoms. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these symptoms include chest, neck, back or jaw pain. The aneurysm may also cause the individual to have difficulty breathing, a persistent cough or hoarseness when talking.
Rupture
If the aneurysm bursts, emergency medical care is necessary to control the bleeding and save the individual. According to the Mayo Clinic, large or fast growing aneurysms have a greater risk of rupture. Signs of an aortic rupture include severe and sudden pain. The pain will not go away and may radiate from the site of the blood vessel and travel to the groin, the legs or the buttocks. Dizziness, nausea and vomiting may occur. As the blood rushes out of the vessel and into the abdominal cavity, the blood pressure will drop drastically. Additional signs of the ruptured aneurysm signify the rapid decrease in blood pressure and the bleeding continues. These symptoms include cold, clammy skin, an increase in heart rate and hypovolemic shock. According to Medline Plus, shock symptoms include a decrease in the level of consciousness, weakness, increased breathing, anxiety, paleness to the skin and sweating.
