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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
by krushing, Oct 04, 2006 12:00AM
My mother has suffered pain in the lower back (thought was a pulled muscle) many times. Just recently she has had abdominal swelling, nausea, rapid heart rate and the sensation of a pulse in the abdomen. The dr believes she may have abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which is an aneurysm in the heart. I've googled it and found that her symptoms matched the symptoms of this and found that is why the dr thinks she has this without any tests being performed. She was considered a "borderline" diabetic, but now a days you either are or you aren't. And she is a smoker. I know the dr is the only one that can say what is wrong and how bad it is. Sometimes the internet can be a bad thing, I found that if you have symptoms [bad symptoms like my mom where she can hardly move without being in pain] that the aneurysm could be big and on the verge of rupturing or may have already ruptured. Her doctor is out of town, but I told her that she may need to go on to the ER. I've heard that if it ruptures she will die. The "sensation of a pulse in the abdomen" has me concerned. It says that it can be genetic and I am always making fun of myself because I can put something on my stomach and it will bounce with my heartbeat. Is that what they are talking about. Could I have the same thing? I don't have any of the other symptoms, but that. Thanks for your time
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-MJM, Oct 04, 2006 12:00AM
Hello,
Aneurysm can be a clinical diagnosis but they should always be supported by imaging studies. The first step is usually abdominal ultrasound. An aneurysm of the heart is something completely different. If you mother is thought to have one she should have studies to confirm it.
Diabetes is actually a continuum and it is possible to be boarderline.
Aneurysms can be genetic, but do not have to be. It is important to control risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. If you are concerned that you may have aneurysm, talk to your doctor. It is possible to see the beating of your aorta or heart if you are thin.
I hope this helps answer your questions. Good luck and thanks for posting.
Aneurysm can be a clinical diagnosis but they should always be supported by imaging studies. The first step is usually abdominal ultrasound. An aneurysm of the heart is something completely different. If you mother is thought to have one she should have studies to confirm it.
Diabetes is actually a continuum and it is possible to be boarderline.
Aneurysms can be genetic, but do not have to be. It is important to control risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. If you are concerned that you may have aneurysm, talk to your doctor. It is possible to see the beating of your aorta or heart if you are thin.
I hope this helps answer your questions. Good luck and thanks for posting.
And, as you said, it CAN be genetic, meaning you also may have it. I suggest you both get checked out ASAP. I don't mean to sound like an alarmist, but it's important!
God bless, and I will pray for your mother's health and yours as well.
Nick
Sorry. Having a frustrated moment.
I agree with others. Your mom needs an imaging study.