Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

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An aortic aneurysm may not cause any symptoms. The types of symptoms you have will depend on the location of the aneurysm and whether it has become large enough to affect other parts of your body. If you do have symptoms of an aortic aneurysm, they may include:

• Difficult or painful swallowing if the aneurysm pushes on your esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth and your stomach
• Difficulty breathing if it pushes on your trachea, or windpipe
• Feeling full after not eating very much
• Hoarseness
• Pain in the neck, jaw, back, chest, stomach area or shoulder, depending on where the aneurysm is located
• A pulsating or throbbing feeling in your stomach area
• Shortness of breath if the aneurysm presses on your lung
• Swelling of the face, neck, or arms if the aneurysm pushes on the superior vena cava, the main vein returning blood from your upper body to your heart

If you know you have an aortic aneurysm, it is important to know the symptoms of a rupture, or tear in the aorta, since quick treatment may save your life. Symptoms of a rupture may include:

• Light-headedness
• Rapid heart rate
• Sudden, severe pain in your stomach area, chest, or back