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- Aneurysm (Artery Ballooning)
- SYMPTOMS. Signs depend upon the location of the illness. If it is in the
- abdomen there will be an agonizing, boring back or abdomen pain. If it is in
- chest there will be back or chest pain, labored breathing, coughing and some
- difficulty in swallowing. If the artery has a ruptured inner coat that
- allows blood to escape between the artery wall or layers there may be severe
- chest pain similar to that experienced during a heart attack.
- CAUSES. High blood pressure often accompanies aneurysm. It may be associated
- with hardening of the arteries. The trunk line artery called the aorta is
- most often affected.
- TREATMENT. If left unattended an aneurysm may rupture, spilling blood.
- .Preventive surgery may be required.
- .Medication may be required to lower the blood pressure.