Aortic Aneurysm (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Aortic Aneurysm Overview
- Aortic Aneurysm Causes
- Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
When to Seek Medical Care
Any time you experience chest pain or the sensation that something is "just not right" in your chest, consult a medical professional.
If you notice a strong pulse sensation, or a pulsating bulge in your abdomen, you should see your health care provider right away.
If the pain is new, severe, frightening, or feels to be tearing or ripping, go immediately to a hospital emergency department. Do not wait it out; immediate treatment can be life saving for aneurysm/dissection as well as in other conditions that cause chest pain.
If an aortic aneurysm ruptures, internal bleeding occurs. This is a medical emergency, because a person can bleed to death in a few minutes.
Severe back, flank, or abdominal pain may be the only symptom of an enlarging aorta. Many other conditions can cause these symptoms, but an aortic aneurysm is the most serious of these conditions.
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm »
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent a degenerative process of the abdominal aorta that is often attributed to atherosclerosis; however, the exact cause is not known. A familiar clustering of AAAs has been noted in 15-25% of patients undergoing repair of the problem.
