HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING Q&A: AORTIC ANEURYSM
What ae the symptoms of aortic aneurysm?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Most aortic aneurysms do not cause any symptoms. Usually they are discovered when an imaging procedure like an ultrasound test or CT scan is performed during screening or unexpectedly when the test is performed for some unrelated reason. Sometimes people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm will notice a bounding pulse in their belly or they may have abdominal, chest or back pain. A leaking or ruptured aneurysm is a life threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
How serious is an aortic aneurysm?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
There are two main types of aortic aneurysms. The most common type is a balloon-like swelling, where the wall of the aorta bulges out. Small bulging aneurysms rarely rupture, but larger ones can. That’s why they need to be regularly monitored with imaging. The other type is known as a dissecting aortic aneurysm, which happens when there is a tear within the artery wall. This is a very serious condition.
→ Learn more about aortic aneurysm: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to aortic aneurysm.
Does straining with constipation increase the size of an aortic aneurysm?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in an artery that increases the diameter of the blood vessel beyond the upper limit of normal. There is no direct evidence that straining with constipation causes it to enlarge faster. However, straining can raise blood pressure, which could theoretically cause the aneurysm to enlarge faster. So, it’s probably best to treat the constipation to help avoid straining.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-06-24T21:01:45Z dg43tfdfdgfd