Hi there, it's me again. As mentioned in other posts, I have a few things going on with my heart and surrounding plumbing. Of primary concern is I have a TAA involving the ascending aorta and aortic root.
I had noticed, a couple weeks ago or so, some palpable pulsing in my abdomen, just past the end of the rib cage on my left arm side. Now I know the artery passes through there, I have looked at very many anatomical cutaways in my research.
Here's my question - under normal conditions, not considering an aneurysm, should I be able to easily detect my pulse by feeling in the area just underneath the end of the left side of my rib cage? I have seen some reference that being able to do so may be an indication of an AAA, and since I already have enlargement elsewhere in the aorta that my new cardiologist is closely monitoring, should I be concerned of the lower abdominal pulsing, and talk to my cardiologist about it?
Is the chance for an abdominal aortic aneurysm/dilation made greater by the presence of an aneurysm elsewhere on the aorta?
Thanks for your time,
When you see your Cardiologist again you should mention it and get it checked out, but under normal circumstances it is normal to feel your pulse by pressing on your abdomen, as you describe.
It is understandable, that with having an existing heart problem, you'll be more aware of your heartbeat/pulse and it is good that you monitor yourself and report sudden changes or symptoms to your Doctor and Cardiologist.