Simple Thumb Test Could Indicate The Likelihood You're Harboring An Aortic Aneurysm

https://www.iflscience.com ^ | May 25, 2021 | Rachael Funnell

[Red Badger]

Aortic aneurysms are a major killer globally. The aorta is an enormous blood vessel that carries blood away from your heart, and when it develops an abnormal bulge this is known as an aortic aneurysm (Einstein had one wrapped with literal cellophane). They can cause discomfort, but most people aren’t aware that they have an aortic aneurysm until it’s picked up in scans. If the aneurysm ruptures, it causes mass internal bleeding, which is usually fatal, so detecting these vessel abnormalities is a key step in the prevention of death.

Now, a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology has found that a simple self-conducted test involving the thumb and palm of one hand could be used to identify people for whom it’s worth checking for a hidden aortic aneurysm. According to the report, that aortic aneurysm is the 13th most common cause of death in America, killing around 10,000 people annually, so early detection through a simple test such as this could have huge ramifications for the survival rates among those affected.

The test is easy: hold your hand up and keep your palm flat, as if you’re indicating for someone to stop. Then, stretch your thumb as far as you can across your palm (without hurting yourself). The test is checking for connective tissue disease, which makes the likelihood of an aortic aneurysm more likely. If your thumb can stretch past the edge of your hand, this could be indicative of one such disease and the researchers say may be a sign of a hidden aortic aneurysm.

If your thumb has extended beyond your hand, it’s important to note that not everybody who can do this is found to have an aortic aneurysm. Furthermore, aortic aneurysms can endure for long periods of time without rupturing. Their detection however is vital as the condition can be managed with lifestyle changes and sometimes surgery. They also call for consistent monitoring so that patients and their physicians can keep ahead of the disease before it results in a potentially fatal rupture.

Position 1 is your starting position. Position 2 is a negative thumb-palm sign. Position 3 is a positive thumb-palm sign and it may be worth getting checked out. Image credit: IFLScience/di Bronzino/Shutterstock.com “The biggest problem in aneurysm disease is recognizing affected individuals within the general population before the aneurysm ruptures,” said senior author Dr John A. Elefteriades, emeritus director of the Aortic Institute at Yale New Haven Hospital. “Our study showed that the majority of aneurysm patients do not manifest a positive thumb-palm sign, but patients who do have a positive test have a high likelihood of harboring an aneurysm.”

While the thumb test is not on its own a sufficient tool for confirmation of diagnosis, Dr Elefteriades and colleagues believe the test is worthy of inclusion in standard physical examinations as it could prove lifesaving, especially for those with a family history of aortic aneurysm.

“Spreading knowledge of this test may well identify silent aneurysm carriers and save lives,” Dr Elefteriades said.

[Jeff Chandler]

This one small trick . . .

[Maine Mariner]

An aortic aneurysm was the cause of death for my father at 81. He was a very heavy smoker which I understand can worsen the condition.

[Bell Bouy II]

so do you bring the thumb over on its own or use the other hand to stretch it over as the test says “stretch” it over.

[old curmudgeon]

Those of us who have arthritis in their hands will never test positive.

[Edward Teach]

Live long and prosper.

Oh wait...

[Bob434]

So that’s how I’m gonna die

[Red Badger]

Doesn’t apply to Vulcans............. two hearts.............

[Skywise]

You need to be more… flexible!

[Bob434]

I think you have to employ the US the of war team to pull the thumb across the hand

I wasn’t sure either, but I can go beyond te edge without needing to stretch it across the hand

[sauropod]

bkmk

[NWFree]

I’m surprised I can’t do it with big hands and long fingers but that’s a good thing.

[Kickass Conservative]

Well, I’m screwed.

You would think the EKG I had last Month would have caught this.

I wonder what the PWSTS* thinks of this Test?

(*People With Short Thumbs Society)

[Track9]

Im Italian. I have lots of hand signals. They help me Not have a heart attack.

[Dutch Boy]

I had mine checked with CT scans and a 3D ultrasound.

[sageburn]

Oh thank goodness! My thumb barely goes halfway across, guess I can continue to smoke too much and drink in excess.

[rlmorel]

Okay, how many people, upon entering this thread, were holding their hand up in front of them...:)

[dainbramaged]

In 2010 I had diverticular problems and a CT scan revealed aneurysms on my aorta and both of my iliac arteries. They were monitored each year until reaching 5 centimeters which is the size where repair is necessary.
All of them have been sleeved with these small fittings that cost $10K each, done thru an artery near the groin with no invasive open surgery.
Good as new? I don't know - but I'm still on the right side of the grass.

[digger48]

Bullschitt

My father, my brother and I all had AAAs

Not a one was detectable until found while testing for other things

[TornadoAlley3]

I’m right on the edge.