A cardiologist has issued a stark warning about the subtle symptoms that could signal a developing aneurysm - a condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes life-threatening.
Dr Oyidie Igbokidi, who practises at CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic in Arkansas, has highlighted how these dangerous blood vessel weaknesses develop gradually and silently over time.
"Most aneurysms don't pop out of nowhere; they actually build over time, really quietly," the heart specialist explained to her audience. "The body often tries to warn us."
Recognising these early warning signs could be the difference between life and death, as the body sends subtle signals long before a potentially fatal rupture occurs.
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The condition often goes unnoticed until it becomes life-threatening
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The heart expert outlined five crucial warning signs that people should watch out for.
First on her list is a pulsing sensation in the belly when lying flat - particularly concerning for those over 60 or with a family history of the condition.
She also warned about persistent back pain that feels different from muscle strain, especially in the middle or lower spine.
Difficulty swallowing that worsens over time could indicate a thoracic aortic aneurysm pressing on surrounding structures.
"Sharp ripping chest pain, or abdominal pain that radiates to your back that starts suddenly, this is a medical emergency," Dr Igbokidi stressed.
Finally, she highlighted that a family history of vessel rupture or unexplained sudden death should raise red flags.
An aneurysm is essentially a weakened, bulging area in a blood vessel wall that can develop anywhere in the body, though it most frequently affects the aorta - the body's main artery.
"The aorta is the largest artery in our body. When that wall stretches too thin, it can rupture, and that's often fatal," Dr Igbokidi explained.
This gradual weakening and stretching of the vessel wall creates a balloon-like bulge that grows silently over time.
The real danger lies in the potential for rupture, which can cause catastrophic internal bleeding and is frequently fatal.
It's this silent progression that makes early detection so vital, as the condition can develop for years without obvious symptoms.
Dr Igbokidi also pointed to several risk factors that frequently go unnoticed.
Blood pressure spikes, rather than just average readings, pose a particular danger to vessel walls.
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Physical strain can be problematic for those with weakened blood vessels
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Physical strain from heavy lifting can be problematic for those with weakened blood vessels.
The cardiologist highlighted genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome as significant risk factors.
Smoking, whether current or past, remains a major concern for vascular health.
"I'm a straight-talking cardiologist, and I'm going to say this clearly," she told viewers, emphasising the importance of understanding these often-overlooked factors.
Her direct approach underscores how crucial it is to recognise these risks before an aneurysm develops into a life-threatening emergency.
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