Most of us expect stomach pains to get better with time. A little patience, a little care, and the body does the rest. But what happens when an unidentified pain in your abdomen just keeps coming back?
At VASC, Vein & Artery Surgical Consultants, we often meet patients who’ve been treating what they thought was simple indigestion complaints, only to learn that something deeper was going on. Consistent or pulsing discomfort in your stomach can be your body’s way of saying your circulation or blood flow may not be working as it should.
Why Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Cause Pain
The aorta is your body’s main blood vessel, running right through your abdomen. When part of it weakens and bulges, it can affect how blood flows through nearby arteries, leading to reduced blood circulation and a host of related issues. This is called an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and, in the worst-case scenario, can even be life-threatening.
While it is true that many people with AAA don’t show any symptoms, some may occur if an aneurysm is left untreated and allowed to grow. As an aneurysm expands over time, it can put pressure on surrounding organs. The result is general belly pain or discomfort, which may be constant over several days or recur regularly.
It’s not always easy to tell from the outside, but your body gives subtle clues when veins and arteries are compromised
Additional Signs That AAA Could Be the Problem
If irregular stomach pain is causing discomfort, take note of these other signs that may be present:
- A pulsating sensation in your belly near the bellybutton.
- Pain spreading through your chest, lower back, and/or flank.
These don’t always mean an aneurysm is present, but they do suggest it’s time to check your vascular health.
How VASC Can Help
At VASC, we take a full-picture look at what’s going on beneath the surface. Using ultrasound and vascular imaging, we can see how blood is flowing through your abdomen and whether something like an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or other arterial blockage is to blame.
If we do find restricted flow, we’ll guide you through the next steps, whether that’s medication, lifestyle support, or minimally invasive treatment to restore proper circulation.
When to Call a Specialist
You don’t have to wait until pain becomes unbearable get it checked. In fact, the earlier we find the root cause, the easier it is to fix.
If you have:
- Pain or pressure in the abdomen
- Additional symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease, such as leg numbness or pain
- Or a family history of aneurysms
…it’s time for a vascular screening.
Aortic aneurysms can sometimes run in families, which means that if a parent, sibling, or grandparent has had one, your risk may be higher. Even without symptoms, getting a simple ultrasound screening can help catch any changes early, long before they become dangerous.
Take the Next Step with VASC
Non-healing wounds are frustrating, but they’re also an important signal. Whether it’s circulation issues, arterial blockages, or an aortic aneurysm, knowing what’s behind it helps you take action before complications arise.
Call or request an appointment with VASC today. Our specialists are here to help your body heal the way it’s meant to.
