A pulsing sensation in your stomach area results from blood moving through arteries. Though it may be nothing to worry about, in some cases, a pulse in the stomach can be serious. Namely, it can be a symptom of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. So, it is a symptom you should not ignore.
This article explains the main causes of a pulse in the stomach and when to see a doctor.
What you feel as your pulse is the result of a heartbeat. It is the high pressure of blood moving through arteries away from the heart after it contracts. It can tell a lot about how your heart beats, including the rate, rhythm, and intensity.
It is common to feel a peripheral pulse, a pulse felt in the extremities. Checking this kind of pulse is a vital sign that is a regular part of medical care. It is also an important marker during resuscitation.
There are several places you can feel a peripheral pulse in arteries, including:
You have pulses in bigger and more central arteries that are not as easy to feel. The aorta is one such vessel.
The aorta is the largest of the arteries. It arches out of the heart and down through the chest and abdomen. Other arteries branch off the aorta’s top, bottom, and length.
Feeling a pulse in the stomach area is likely due to one of these large and central arteries.
There can be harmless reasons for a pulsing sensation in the stomach. It may be related to the stomach, which has a rich blood supply. Eating food diverts blood flow to the area.
Feeling a pulse in the abdomen can also occur during pregnancy. The increase in blood volume and cardiac output creates hyperdynamic circulation. Your pulses can feel more forceful and noticeable.
However, pulsing in the stomach can also be a symptom of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a weakened area of the wall of the aorta. It occurs in the section that runs through the abdomen. It is also possible to have an aneurysm in the chest portion of the aorta. However, abdominal aneurysms are more common.
When the wall of the aorta weakens, it can bulge, forming balloon-like sections. These bulges can grow large and burst. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life threatening medical emergency. More than half of people die before they get to the hospital.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms can develop and grow without causing any symptoms. Most people with the condition do not have symptoms. However, an aneurysm that is enlarging and at risk of rupture can begin to cause symptoms. A pulsating or throbbing sensation in your stomach is one of them.
Do not ignore a pulsing sensation in the stomach if you have risk factors for or symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Prompt treatment can save your life.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have a pulse in the stomach and other symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm, including:
Aneurysms that could rupture require treatment with surgery. Options to repair the aneurysm include:
In some cases, feeling a pulse in the stomach area is normal. However, it can be a warning sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This life threatening condition requires prompt care.
People at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm should pay close attention to any pulsing in the stomach. Seek immediate medical care if other symptoms are present.
Privacy Policy | Advertising Policy | Privacy Preferences Center | Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© Copyright 2022 Healthgrades Marketplace, LLC, a Red Ventures Company, Patent US Nos. 7,752,060 and 8,719,052. All Rights Reserved. Third Party materials included herein protected under copyright law.
Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment.