It's Topic Tuesday!

Good morning, Aortic Hope community! This month we are tackling common myths and misconceptions about aortic disease. There is a lot of information out there, some of it accurate,  but some of it potentially misleading. Separating fact from fiction can help you be a more informed patient and advocate for yourself and your loved ones.

Today's myth: "Aneurysms never have symptoms."

Where This Myth Comes From

You may have heard aortic aneurysms called the "silent killer." This title exists for a real reason: many aneurysms genuinely do not cause any symptoms until they grow very large or rupture. In fact, a large percentage of aneurysms are discovered by accident, such as when they are found on a CT scan or ultrasound ordered for a completely unrelated reason.

So the myth has a kernel of truth. Many aneurysms truly are silent. But many is not the same as always. Some aneurysms do cause symptoms, and knowing what those symptoms can look like may help you or a family member catch something important that might otherwise be dismissed.

https://surgery.ucsf.edu/condition/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm

Symptoms That Can Occur

The symptoms an aneurysm may cause often depend on where it is located and what nearby structures it is pressing on.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (Chest)

Aneurysms in the chest can occasionally cause:

• Chest pain or upper back pain, often described as deep, aching, or a feeling of pressure

• Hoarseness or a change in your voice (from pressure on a nearby nerve that controls the vocal cords)

• Difficulty swallowing (from pressure on the esophagus)

• Shortness of breath or a persistent cough (from pressure on the airway)

• Symptoms of a leaky aortic valve if the aneurysm involves the aortic root, such as fatigue or shortness of breath with activity

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (Belly)

Aneurysms in the abdomen can occasionally cause:

• A pulsating sensation near the belly button (some patients describe feeling their heartbeat in their stomach)

• Deep, steady abdominal pain

• Lower back pain that does not go away with typical treatments

• A feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts

Emergency Warning Signs

While chronic symptoms from a stable aneurysm can be subtle, the symptoms of a rapidly growing, leaking, or ruptured aneurysm are usually dramatic and require immediate emergency care:

• Sudden, severe chest, back, or abdominal pain (often described as tearing, ripping, or the worst pain of your life)

• Pain that radiates to the back, shoulder blades, or between the shoulders

• Lightheadedness, fainting, or feeling like you might pass out

• Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or cold, clammy skin

Why This Myth Is Dangerous

Believing that aneurysms never have symptoms can be harmful in two ways:

1. It can cause patients to dismiss real warning signs. If someone has been told their aneurysm is "silent," they may hesitate to report a new symptom, thinking it must be something else. But changes in your body deserve attention, especially if you have a known aneurysm or a family history of aortic disease.

2. It can delay diagnosis in undiagnosed patients. Some people never realize their symptoms could be related to their aorta. Persistent hoarseness, unexplained back pain, or a pulsating sensation in the belly can all be dismissed as "nothing" when they might actually deserve a closer look.

The Bottom Line

Many aortic aneurysms are truly silent, and that is part of what makes them so dangerous. But some do cause symptoms and knowing what to watch for could make a real difference for you or someone you love. The myth that aneurysms "never" have symptoms is one worth busting, because taking symptoms seriously is one of the most important things a patient can do.

Next week we will bust another common aortic myth. Until then, Think Aorta!

Jack