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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Tears in the wall of the aorta (dissection) and rupture of the aorta are the main complications of abdominal aortic aneurysm. A ruptured aortic aneurysm can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. In general, the larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk of rupture.

Signs and symptoms that your aortic aneurysm has burst include:

  • Sudden, intense and persistent abdominal, chest or back pain
  • Pain that radiates to your back or legs
  • Sweatiness
  • Clamminess
  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fast pulse
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Shortness of breath

Another complication of aortic aneurysms is the risk of blood clots. Small blood clots can develop in the area of the aortic aneurysm. If a blood clot breaks loose from the inside wall of an aneurysm and blocks a blood vessel elsewhere in your body, it can cause pain or block the blood flow to the legs, toes or abdominal organs.

DS00017

Sept. 20, 2008

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