Many people feel occasional gas or cramping. For others, there may be a sudden twitch. But have you ever felt a pulse in your stomach? This may be harmless or a serious sign of something harmful, so let’s find out the difference.
Stomach doctors in Orlando called gastroenterologists:
Researchers are always studying gastroenterology and strange feelings people have. Having a feeling of a pulse in your stomach can be very odd. It is almost like having an irritating eye twitch that just won’t go away.
In some cases, a pulse in the abdominal area, often called the stomach by people that are not in the medical field, may be due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. According to Medical News Today, an aneurysm occurs when a weakened area of a blood vessel swells which forms a bulge. When a patient has abdominal aortic aneurysm, it occurs in the aortic artery in the abdomen.
For an anatomy recap, the aortic artery is the largest artery of the body. A person’s aorta begins at the top of the left ventricle. The left ventricle is the heart’s muscular pumping chamber.
Patients with this condition rarely experience any other symptoms besides the stomach pulse. That is, unless they experience any swelling tears or ruptures. Both of which are definitely a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
In this article, our stomach doctors here in Orlando would like to outline the cause of a pulse in the stomach and explain when it is necessary to see a doctor. We will be sharing more information about abdominal aortic aneurysms including the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors that go along with postponing treatments.
Common causes of a pulse in stomach area:
First things first, the feeling of a pulse in the upper abdomen can be completely normal for some people. Particularly for older patients with a healthy body mass index, or BMI, a pulse in the upper abdomen is most likely fine. Such people may feel this sensation when they are lying down or once their hands are pressed between their navel and the ribs.
However, if you have a family history of heart disease or have ever had a stroke, heart attack, or any other health issues, you should see a doctor promptly. Many risk factors that are associated with aortic aneurysms overlap with those of cardiovascular problems. Meet with our stomach doctors, or gastroenterologists, if you have any of the following risk factors.
Risk Factors to be aware of include:
- being a smoker
- having high blood pressure
- being over the age of sixty-five years old
- having high blood cholesterol
Abdominal aortic aneurysm:
When the aorta bulges outward, it is called an aortic aneurysm. Like we said before, the aorta is the largest artery in the body. It begins from the heart and extends down through the chest and abdomen.
The section called the abdominal aorta is the section of the aorta that sits just in front of the spine. Certain factors can cause the walls of the aorta to weaken. Aging or some diseases can age the walls of the aorta while also wearing them.
Once the blood pumps through the weekend aorta, the aorta is forced to bulge outward. If the bulging occurs int he abdominal aorta, it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The danger in postponing medical attention is it can cause the aneurysm to rupture or tear.
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is when fatty deposits build up along the inner sides of the artery walls. This restricts blood flow through the artery.
Imagine when you fold a garden hose so it stops the water flow or a moment. The pressure builds up, and if the garden hose isn’t in great condition, it can tear or rupture. This is what basically happens to the artery. Injury and infection may also be a cause of an aortic aneurysm.
Next time, we will share more of this issue. But until next time, be sure to seek our Orlando stomach doctors at our office for the pulse in your stomach. It may be a warning sign to seek treatment before a rupture.
Come back next time for more useful news. Thank you for stopping by, and have a great day, everyone!
Staff Writer