An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel.The most common place an aneurysm occurs is in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. An aortic dissection happens when the inner wall of the aorta tears and allows blood to pass into the space between the inner and out layers of the aorta. This sort of aneurysm is generally fatal, making it imperative that symptoms are identified and emergency treatment delivered.
Severe Chest Pain
The aorta arises from the top of the heart, leaving the left ventricle and arches over and travels down through the thorax to the region of the low back where it divides. It is natural then that one symptom of a dissecting aneurysm is sudden onset of severe pain in any area where the aorta passes and the dissection occurs, such as the chest, abdomen or low back. This pain may be accompanied by other symptoms or may occur on its own. Patients describe the pain as tearing, ripping or shearing, and, according to MayoClinic.com, the pain may radiate to the neck or down the back or between the shoulder blades.
Loss of Consciousness
The aorta is the primary channel for oxygenated blood to leave the heart on its way to other parts of the body, and as a dissection or tear occurs, other channels may become blocked and those portions of the body will not get the blood flow they require. There will be sudden drop in blood volume that is available, which may cause fainting.
Coughing Up Blood
If you suddenly cough up blood or experience nausea and vomiting with blood, call for emergency help immediately. This may be a sign of an aortic aneurysm, although it could be caused by other serious conditions as well.
Stroke Symptoms
A stoke is the sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain causing a portion of it to die. The aortic dissection can cause the same symptoms as a stroke, as blood that should be getting to the brain is blocked or lost in the dissection. Symptoms may include dizziness, loss of coordination, confusion, trouble with speech and paralysis of one side of the body.
Other Symptoms
When the aorta dissects, blood to other vital organs can be disrupted and may cause a variety of other symptoms depending on which organs or areas are affected. Patients may experience shortness of breath, dry mouth, sweating and decreased sensation.
