Many times, thoracic aortic aneurysms go undetected because people rarely notice the symptoms. They include pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back; chest or back pain; and coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. The most common of these symptoms are pain in the chest and back, which often affects both areas. Some less common symptoms are abdominal pain, weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of consciousness, and stroke-like symptoms.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Just like thoracic aortic aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms occur because the aorta has ballooned, causing a bulge. The aorta is important because it carries blood from the heart to all major areas of the body, like kidneys, legs, and arms. When the aorta is weakened, the blood’s pressure on the artery walls causes it to swell until it ruptures. Men who are age 65 and older are often advised to have routine screenings for an abdominal aortic aneurysm since they are the most likely group to be affected.
Similar to thoracic aortic aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms can be difficult to identify. However, unlike thoracic aortic aneurysms, abdominal aortic aneurysms do not have clear-cut causes. It is thought by doctors that smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, performing little-to-no exercise, and obesity can contribute.
Unfortunately, the declarative symptoms for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, like abdominal and back pain, often are misinterpreted for a less serious problem. However, if there is a total blockage of the artery, there may pain in the extremities like the feet or hands. Once the aneurysm ruptures though, there may be severe abdominal and back pain, followed by fainting. The rupture can also cause a quick drop in blood pressure.
Cerebral Aneurysm
Interestingly, cerebral aneurysms can take many different forms. However, nearly 90 percent of cerebral aneurysms are saccular aneurysms, with fusiform aneurysms and dissecting aneurysms being less common. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Marfan’s Syndrome, which are both inherited, are some of the leading causes of cerebral aneurysms, along with traumatic brain injury, serious blood or brain infections, smoking, drug abuse, congenital problems with the arterial walls, and chronic high blood pressure. While women 40 years of age or older have an increased risk of cerebral aneurysm, so do those with a family history of cerebral aneurysms.