A heartbeat … in the belly. What can this translate? As soon as it is a heart cause, we quickly asked questions. Should we worry or on the contrary calming? It depends.
An often benign feeling: the abdominal aorte in question
In some people, especially the thinner or when you are lying down, it is completely normal to perceive the beats of the abdominal aorta, the large artery which transports the blood from the heart to the lower body. These pulsations are generally painless, regular and perfectly synchronized with the pulse.
“We should not worry if the beats are painless and rhythmic, especially in thin subjects. It is simply the blood flow in the aorta that we feel”, reassures Dr. Kierzek.
A simple test allows you to check it: gently palpate your belly, then your wrist. If the beats are at the same rate, it is probably the aorta. As long as there are no pain or brutal change, no reason to be alarmed.
Digestive spasms: another frequent explanation
In addition to vascular pulsations, digestive disorders can also cause feelings of beats in the belly. Balloon, gas, indigestion or stress can cause intestinal spasms, perceived as vibrations or blows in the abdomen. These manifestations are without gravity, temporary, and often relieved by relaxation, digestion or a simple change of position.
Watch out for the aneurysm of the abdominal aorta (AAA)
In rare cases, however, this feeling can reveal an aneurysm from the abdominal aorta (AAA): an abnormal dilation of this artery, which can evolve silently. This risk mainly concerns men over the age of 60, smokers, or people with high blood pressure or family history.
Dr. Kierzek insists: “It is necessary to consult quickly if the beats become painful, are accompanied by an abdominal mass, or if cardiovascular risk factors are present “.
Alert signs include:
- A painful and pulsatile mass in the abdomen;
- Sudden pain at the lumbar or abdominal level;
- A quick pulse, abnormal tension or unusual discomfort.
Simple and recommended screening
AAA screening is easy: it is based on an ultrasound of the abdominal, fast and non -invasive aorta. This screening is recommended:
- From 60 years old in smoking men or with two cardiovascular risk factors;
- From the age of 50 in the event of family history of aneurysm, because the risk is then multiplied by two to three.
Dilation greater than 30 mm makes it possible to make the diagnosis of an aneurysm. As Dr. Kierzek reminds us: “It is not always serious, but when it is, you have to act quickly. A simple ultrasound can save lives. “