Related articles: Aortic aneurysm
Definition
The aneurysm is the dilation of the wall of an artery, on which a kind of ball-like swelling is formed. The aortic aneurysm can be located in any part of the aorta (the largest vessel responsible for the distribution of arterial blood to the tissues), but favors the abdominal one. Precisely for these reasons the consequences of its rupture can be lethal. The chances of the aneurysm rupturing are greater the faster its development and the size reached; for this reason - once identified - it is carefully monitored over time by the healthcare personnel.Most common symptoms and signs *
- Lowering of the voice
- Acute abdomen
- Aortite
- Dysphagia
- Dyspnoea
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Pain in the sternum
- hemothorax
- Hypotension
- Hypovolemia
- Paralysis of the vocal cords
- Hoarseness
- Blood in Saliva
- Heart murmur
- Cough
Further indications
Often, aortic aneurysms grow slowly and asymptomatically (in the absence of symptoms), which hampers early diagnosis. Smoking and hypertension are the main risk factors, which should prompt any individual over the age of 60 to perform regular screening to detect the disease when it is still at an early stage.
When the dimensions of the aneurysm are such as to compress the surrounding tissues, symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain, back pain and perception of the heartbeat in the vicinity of the navel may appear. Symptoms such as hoarseness, cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing may arise when the aneurysm is localized in the thoracic area.
