Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms of Aortic Disease

Sudden stabbing, radiating pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, and sometimes sudden weakness on one side of the body could suggest an aortic event. Clammy skin, nausea and vomiting, or even shock are also common accompanying symptoms. Aortic disease can also mirror symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain or jaw pain. The aorta spans from above the heart all the way down to below the navel, so symptoms of pain can occur at any place along the torso.

Diagnosis

AAA is frequently detected during an examination for other routine medical tests such as ultrasounds of the heart or abdomen.  Family history, physical exams and imaging are used to confirm AAA.  Ultrasounds, CT Scans, and MRIs are used to identify severity and location of the aneurysm, and to help assess treatment options.