General complaints | The symptoms of aortic aneurysm

General complaints

A microembolism is an occlusion of small blood vessels by an embolus (embolus = endogenous/extogenous object that leads to a vessel occlusion). In the area of an aortic aneurysm, the blood flow is altered. Due to the sacculation of the vessel, the blood accumulates here.

Blood congestion promotes the formation of blood clots, which can cause an embolism. If a thrombus is formed in the aortic aneurysm which then closes a small blood vessel, this is called a microembolism. Microembolism can be a warning signal for an aortic aneurysm and must be treated immediately.

If blood accumulates in the aneurysm, a thrombus can form, which in turn seals a large vessel. This is then referred to as a macroembolism. A macroembolism can be an embolism with occlusion of the large pulmonary vessels, for example. An embolism must be detected and treated as early as possible.

The symptoms of aortic rupture

An aortic rupture is the tearing (rupture) of the vessel wall of the aorta. Those affected feel a sudden, very strong pain, which is also called pain of destruction. The unbearable pain can radiate into the back, pelvis and arms.

There is a massive loss of blood and the blood accumulates in the respective body cavity, i.e. in the thoracic aortic aneurysm in the thoracic cavity and in the abdominal aortic aneurysm in the abdominal cavity. The blood presses on organs and possibly even on nerves. This can lead to loss of sensitivity and paralysis.

If blood collects in the chest, it often presses on the pericardium, resulting in pericardial effusion. Untreated, the effusion leads to pericardial tamponade. This causes so much blood to collect in the pericardium that the heart is compressed and its function is disturbed.

The circulation becomes unstable until collapse with so-called shock symptoms. Those affected suffer a drop in blood pressure and pulse rate, while the heart beats much faster. This often results in a feeling of breathlessness.

The oxygen supply to the brain becomes poor and the organs are undersupplied. Aortic rupture must be treated immediately. Otherwise, an aortic rupture is fatal.