Pulse in stomach: Causes & when to see a doctor Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Why can I feel a pulse in my stomach Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Charlotte Lillis — Updated on April 19, 2022People can often feel a pulse in their abdominal aorta, a large artery that runs through the stomach. While this is typically no cause for concern, it can be a sign of serious complications. In some cases, a pulsing sensation in the stomach is due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs when a weakened blood vessel area swells, forming a bulge. In people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, this occurs in part of the aortic artery in the abdomen. People with this condition rarely experience any other symptoms unless the swelling tears or ruptures. This is a medical emergency when it occurs. This article outlines the causes of a pulse in the stomach and explains when to see a doctor. We also provide information on abdominal aortic aneurysms, including the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Common causes Share on PinterestJess Craven/StocksyA person may be able to feel a pulse from the abdominal aorta when something increases blood flow in the area. This may occur:during pregnancywhen lying downwhen pressing on the stomachwhen eating However, a pulsing sensation in the stomach region may result from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Abdominal aortic aneurysm An aortic aneurysm is when the aorta bulges outward. If the bulging occurs in the abdominal aorta, it is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Without treatment, the aneurysm may weaken to the extent that it tears or ruptures. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It begins at the heart and extends down through the chest and abdomen. The abdominal aorta sits deep inside the abdomen, just in front of the spine. Symptoms Abdominal aortic aneurysms usually develop gradually over many years. Most people who develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm may not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often sudden. The following symptoms are usually the result of a tear or leak in the aorta:intense or persistent pain in the abdomen or backpain that radiates down to the buttocks and legsa rapid heart ratelow blood pressuredifficulty breathingfaintingnausea and vomitingfeeling sweaty or clammydizzinesssudden weakness on one side of the body A severe tear or rupture in the aorta is a medical emergency. A person who has the above symptoms or witnesses someone else experiencing them should call for immediate medical help. Causes Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are due to atherosclerosis, which is when fatty deposits build up along the insides of artery walls, restricting blood flow through the artery. Other causes include injury and infection. Risk factors The following factors may increase the risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm: Sex age and lifestyle factors Men ages 65 years and over who smoke or have previously smoked are at the highest risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that men who are smokers or ex-smokers between the ages of 65–75 years get an abdominal ultrasound screening, even if they have no symptoms. Family history According to the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 10 people who develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm have a family history of the condition. People who have a first-degree relative (such as a parent or sibling) with the condition have a 20% chance of developing the condition. Other risk factors Other risk factors include:high cholesterolhigh blood pressureatherosclerosisinflamed arteriesemphysema, a lung conditionMarfan syndromeEhlers-Danlos syndrome Diagnosis Feeling a pulse in the abdomen is a symptom rather than a condition itself. However, if a person experiences persistent pulsing in their stomach a doctor may wish to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. To do so, they will examine the abdominal area and may listen to the abdomen with a stethoscope. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests:Abdominal ultrasound. This imaging technique uses sound waves to see tissues inside the body and can help determine the size of the aneurysm.Doppler ultrasound. This type of ultrasound uses sound waves to assess blood flow through arteries and veins.Abdominal and pelvic CT scan. This scan combines a series of X-ray images to give a detailed picture of tissues inside the body. It helps determine the size and extent of an aneurysm.Angiography. This test combines X-ray, CT, or MRI scans with a contrast dye to show major blood vessels inside the body. Treatment In most cases, feeling a pulse in the abdomen will not require treatment. However, it may be necessary if a person has an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Treatment options will vary depending on the size and location of the aneurysm. The doctor will also consider other factors, such as the person’s age and health. For people with an aneurysm that is smaller than 5 centimeters (cm) in diameter, a doctor may recommend the following treatment plan:follow-up ultrasounds or CT scans every 6–12 monthsmedications to control high blood pressuremedications to lower cholesteroltreatments to help with quitting smoking A doctor may recommend surgery for an aneurysm that is more than 5 cm in diameter or is growing rapidly or leaking. Surgical options include open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aortic repair (EAR). When to see a doctor Feeling a pulse in the stomach is often no cause for concern, especially in those without any cardiovascular problems. However, feeling a pulse in the stomach could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm. People should see a doctor if they are concerned about their risks, especially because this condition often causes no symptoms. Regular medical check-ups are vital for people at increased risk of developing aneurysms. Summary In some cases, feeling a pulse in the stomach is not a cause for concern. Many people who are at a healthy weight and do not have risk factors for cardiovascular issues can feel their pulse in their abdomen. In other cases, it may indicate a serious issue called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. People should see a doctor if they experience symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, are at a higher risk of developing one, or have a family history of the condition. A doctor may recommend managing the condition with medication, or they may suggest surgery to repair the weakened artery. Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2022CholesterolHypertensionCardiovascular / CardiologyGastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). (2020).https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdoaneurysmAbdominal aortic aneurysm. (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/Aortic aneurysm. (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/aortic_aneurysm.htmAortic aneurysm. (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/aneurysmTypes of aneurysms. (n.d.).https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/aortic-aneurysm/types-of-aneurysmsFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Charlotte Lillis — Updated on April 19, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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