Aortic Aneurysm Research Paper

Pain
As an aortic aneurysm grows, it puts pressure on surrounding organs and tissue. Pain, often the first symptom, in the area of the chest, abdomen or back begins as a vague pressure or ache. Patients typically ignore initial pain symptoms, which prolongs diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. The pain will change as the aneurysm enlarges. Patients experience throbbing, aching and gnawing pain in the abdomen and back.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports pain symptoms may only occur when the aneurysm ruptures. A ruptured aneurysm causes sudden, severe sharp pain in the chest, back or abdomen depending on its location. Nausea, low blood pressure, sweating, a sense of doom and a rapid heart rate accompany the pain. A rupturing aortic aneurysm
Symptoms of indigestion include burning in the esophagus, pain or pressure in the chest from esophageal irritation and nausea result. Unless a thorough exam reveals the aneurysm, patients and health care providers treat the indigestion symptoms but not the cause.
Murmur
Thoracic aortic aneurysms produce an aortic valve murmur. Pressure changes in the aorta due to the aneurysm impair aortic valve function. The aortic valve opens and closes as the heart beats. An improperly functioning valve allows blood to leak back into the left heart chamber when the heart pumps, producing an abnormal heart sound audible with a stethoscope. Abdominal aortic aneurysms also produce a murmur and a physician may note the murmur during an exam.
Cough
A person with a thoracic aortic aneurysm has unexplained coughing and wheezing. Respiratory symptoms increase as the size of the aneurysm increases. An untreated thoracic aneurysm with aortic valve damage leads to heart failure, which creates shortness of breath and severe cough productive of frothy sputum.