What's An Aortic Aneurysm? Here Are The Causes And The Signs Of One.

Icon Sports Wire via Getty Images An aortic aneurysm is a serious heart health issue that may not be so obvious at first. Suspicions grew that Wahl’s health had declined due to unhealthy conditions in Qatar, and some worried there was “foul play.” However, an autopsy, which was performed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, found that the soccer journalist died from an ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium — a condition in which the heart’s main blood vessel swells and bursts. In fact, Mokashi says about 95% of aortic aneurysms are totally asymptomatic until there is a rupture, tear or dissection in the aortic wall — which is what Wahl had. Signs and symptoms that the aortic aneurysm has ruptured include sharp, sudden upper back pain, chest, jaw, or neck pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and trouble swallowing. There are several genetic conditions that have been linked to a higher risk of aortic aneurysms; they include Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, Loeys–Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome, familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and bicuspid aortic valve.