Abdominal pulse. Urgent.

Hello, I am an 18 year old male. I have a beer belly (not skinny at all) and I have been noticing that my abdomen has a pulse and I can feel it pulsating if i concentrate on it. I am a severe health anxiety sufferer. WHen I get out of one fear I go to another, (i just left a sepsis fear, now into this one).

My main concern is an aneurysm of my aorta. I have normal cholest., only 18 years old, no heridatary diseases, no trauma, nothing. BP is a slightly high 130 over 70 due to anxiety.

about 3 months ago I had an ultrasound for a heart concern (anxiety again) and all came back normal. During this test, do they check the aorta too? I dont remember if they did or did not. I am severely worried that I could have an aneurysm. I have no bulging in my stomach also. Almost forgot that one. I also caan feel my pulse in alot of other places I probably shouldent. (IE: if my hand is closed lightly or im holding something i feel it)

Thanks so much for your time.

[prjose56]

I can feel my pulse in lots of places too.  I can sense my pulse without even feeling for it...always have been able to.  You shouldn't let it bother you.  Being so aware of it will get you caught in a vicious cycle of anxiety.  I know because I've been there and am still trying to conquer it myself.  

Hope you feel better soon.

Jose

[SillyHeart]

You're normal.  Get help for your anxiety.

[StephPT]

It is not unusual to feel your pulse in your abdomen, especially after a meal, when digestion shifts blood supply to the stomach and intestines.  This is most commonly felt when you are lying down.  In contrast, an AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) is a palpable pulsatile mass in the abdomen.  Not just a beer belly.

The incidence of AAA is usually in men ages 50-80.

It is also not unusual to feel your pulse in other places.  As i sit here right now, closing my hand lightly, I too can feel my pulse.

I would strongly suggest some counseling.  You do NOT want to be attempting to live with a hypochondria for the rest of your life.  You are too young.

Good luck,
steph

[GTO67]

Thanks everyone. ANy more suggestions as to weather hospitals check the aorta when doing an ultrasound?

[bzmed]

During a regular echo they can see a portion of the aorta and the aortic valve.  They cannot see the "back side" of the aorta (the part that extends down into your abdominal cavity.  For that they generally have to do something like a CT scan.