I’m a 32-year-old male, 6’0" tall and weighing 192 lbs.
A few weeks ago, I started experiencing what felt like an acid reflux flare-up, with discomfort in my abdomen and pressure below my trachea that led to shallow breathing. This was surprising because I’ve been on a restrictive diet for a year due to a previous acid reflux episode, which helped me lose 100 lbs. I really don’t think my diet caused this flare-up.
I went to urgent care after noticing a twitch and pulse in my abdomen around the same time as the other symptoms. The doctor examined me, felt the pulse, and mentioned it didn’t seem like a mass or lump. He explained what an aortic aneurysm is and recommended I follow up with my doctor for an ultrasound.
When I saw my doctor a few days later, I shared what the urgent care doctor had said and requested an ultrasound. He dismissed my concerns, stating, “That’s just your aorta. It pulsates from time to time, especially in thinner people. It’s like feeling your pulse in your neck or wrist.” He didn’t order the ultrasound, and I felt reassured by his explanation.
It’s been a few weeks since then, and I can still feel and see the pulse in my abdomen. I’m curious if it’s normal for the aorta to be so active. I also deal with stress, anxiety, and depression, which I know can affect heart rate. I’m working on managing that, but it’s been tough with everything happening. Any insights would be appreciated!