What are the symptoms of aortic aneurysm?

Aortic disease is often insidious. Most people with aortic aneurysms experience no symptoms, unless they are extremely large or an aortic dissection occurs. For most people, their aortic condition is discovered incidentally while being tested for other reasons. 

When present, symptoms may occur with different types of aneurysms may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): pain in the jaw, neck, chest and/or back; wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath; hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): constant pain in abdomen, chest, back or groin area; a pulsatile mass in the abdomen.

Related Pages

• When is surgery recommended for an enlarged aorta or aortic aneurysm?
• Can I still exercise if I have an enlarged aorta, an aortic aneurysm, or a chronic aortic dissection?
• How do I prevent an aortic dissection and/or further growth of my aneurysm?