Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm

Many aneurysms do not have symptoms and are detected during a routine physical exam or during x-ray evaluation for another disorder.

Symptoms may occur when the aneurysm grows or disrupts the wall of the aorta. Symptoms depend on the size and location of the aneurysm and may include:

• Pain in the abdomen or in the lower back
• Boring, gnawing, constant pain occurring over hours or days
• Sudden onset of severe stabbing pain
• Unusual sensation of pulsing in the abdomen
• Cough, shortness of breath (thoracic aortic aneurysm)
• Sudden blood pressure drop, fainting (upon rupture of aneurysm)
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing up blood
• Weight loss
• Bowel obstruction
• Chest pain