Introduction
A pulse sensation in the stomach is usually due to the large abdominal aorta artery in the stomach area. Aorta is an artery that usually carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. The abnormal artery runs from the heart to the center of the chest and into the abdomen area. It is normal to feel the pulsation while pressing on the abdominal area and during pregnancy. However, pulse sensations can also signify an aneurysm, a serious condition that may require medical attention. An aneurysm occurs when the area of a weak blood vessel gets swollen up, forming a bulge.
What Are the Causes of a Pulse Sensation in the Stomach?
The pulse from the abdominal aorta is usually felt the blood flow in the area increases. This pulsation can occur due to many reasons.
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Eating - When a person eats food, the body digests the food and absorbs nutrients and energy. It pumps extra blood into the stomach and small intestine through the aorta to achieve this. If a pulse sensation is felt in the stomach after eating food, it is mostly due to the increased blood supply in the abdominal aorta.
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Laying Down - A pulse sensation can be felt in the stomach if someone lies down and raises their knees. If a person does not have much abdominal fat, stomach pulsations can be easily felt. This is normal and will resolve once the person stands up.
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Pregnancy - Pregnant women often experience a pulse sensation in the stomach, which might feel like the baby's heartbeat. During pregnancy, the blood circulation in the body increases and more blood gets pumped in each heartbeat, making the pulse more noticeable.
What Are the Abnormal Causes of Pulse Sensation Felt in the Stomach Area?
Pulse sensation experienced in the stomach area can be due to a condition called the abdominal aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs when the area of a weak blood vessel gets swollen up, forming a bulge. If the area undergoes major expansion, the aorta could burst, causing internal bleeding, which is dangerous, and the person may require immediate medical attention.
What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta bulges outwards. When the bulging occurs in the abdominal aorta area, it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Without proper medical intervention, there are chances that the aneurysm can undergo weakening, leading to a tear or rupture.
What Causes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms can occur due to atherosclerosis, infections, or injuries. Atherosclerosis is when fatty deposits build up inside the artery walls, causing restriction to the blood flowing through the artery.
What Symptoms Are Seen in an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms usually develop over several years and are usually asymptomatic. The symptoms which occur usually begin suddenly. When a leak or tear happens in the aorta, certain symptoms occur. They are
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Difficulty in breathing.
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Feeling sweaty.
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Dizziness and fainting.
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Low blood pressure.
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Increased heart rate.
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Experiencing weakness in one side of the body.
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Intense pain in the back area or abdomen.
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Pain radiating down to the leg and buttock area.
A severe aorta rupture or tear is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention and intervention.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated With an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
There are several risk factors associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. They are listed below:
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Family History - Among one in ten people who developed the condition did have a family history. People with a parent or sibling with the condition have a 20 percent chance of having the same condition.
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Lifestyle, Gender, and Age Factors - Men above 65 years and above, who are smokers or have a smoking history, are at the highest risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms. Therefore, it is recommended that men who smoke or have a history of smoking should undergo abdominal ultrasound screenings, even if they are asymptomatic.
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Other Risk Factors - Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation in the arteries, atherosclerosis, traumatic injuries, aortic infections, a lung condition called emphysema, Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an inherited disease that affects the connective tissues of the skin and joints.
How Is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Feeling pulse sensations in the abdomen is more of a symptom than a condition. However, if a person experiences persistent pulsing in the stomach, it is recommended to consult a doctor to test for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
While checking for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the doctor will examine the abdominal area and listen to it using a stethoscope. Other diagnostic tests are also done along with the examination to confirm the diagnosis. The tests include the following:
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Abdominal Ultrasound - In this technique; sound waves are used to see the tissues lying inside the body. Visualizing the tissues makes it easier to determine the size of the aneurysm.
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Doppler Ultrasound - This ultrasound technique uses sound waves to assess the blood flowing through the arteries and veins.
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Computed Tomography (CT) - A CT scan combines X-rays to obtain detailed imaging of tissues in the body. This imaging will help determine the extent and size of the aneurysm.
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Angiography - This technique combines X-rays, CT scans, or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images using contrast dye to get detailed imaging of the body's major blood vessels.
What Is the Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
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Normal pulse sensations of the stomach do not require any treatment.
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However, abnormal aortic aneurysms may require treatment depending on their size and location.
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Other factors like age and health are also considered before starting the treatment.
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People with an aneurysm smaller than 5 centimeters in diameter are given medications to control their blood pressure and cholesterol. They are advised to follow up with ultrasounds or CT scans every six to twelve months. They are also given treatment to help quit their smoking.
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Surgical intervention is recommended for aneurysms more than 5 cm, which are leaking or growing rapidly. Surgery involves endovascular aortic repair and open surgical repair.
Conclusion
People under 50 years might experience a pulse sensation in the abdomen, which is very normal and happens due to eating large amounts of food, lying down, or even being pregnant. However, if the abdominal pain accompanies the stomach pulses, there are higher chances of occurrences of abdominal aortic aneurysms. If any other symptoms are noted with the pulsations, it is better to consult a doctor and receive appropriate medical attention.
