Simple Thumb Test Could Indicate Risk of Aortic Aneurysm

A five-second thumb test has emerged as a potential warning sign for a dangerous heart condition known as an aortic aneurysm. Medical expert Dr Joe Whittington, widely recognized as Dr Joe MD on social media, shared this simple assessment in a recent video on TikTok. He emphasized the importance of consulting a healthcare professional if the test yields concerning results.

An aortic aneurysm refers to a bulge in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the human body, responsible for transporting blood from the heart to other areas. If this bulge ruptures, it can lead to life-threatening complications. The thumb test may help identify individuals at risk of developing this serious condition.

How to Perform the Thumb Palm Test

To conduct the thumb test, individuals should extend their thumb across their palm to see how far it stretches back. Dr Whittington instructs, “Hold up your palm and try to stretch your thumb across as far as you can. Does it stop about there, or does it extend past your palm like this? If it does, that’s a positive thumb palm test.”

If the thumb extends beyond the edge of the palm, it may indicate that the connective tissues in the arteries are overly elastic. Dr Whittington referenced a significant study conducted by Yale University, published in the American Journal of Cardiology in 2021, which found that approximately 60 percent of participants with diagnosed aortic aneurysms tested positive using this method. He explained, “If your connective tissues are very stretchy, that could mean the connective tissues of your arteries, like your aorta, are stretchy as well.”

While a positive result from the thumb palm test does not confirm an aneurysm, Dr Whittington advises discussing the findings with a medical professional to explore any potential connective tissue disorders.

Recognizing Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysms

Aortic aneurysms often develop without noticeable symptoms. According to the Cleveland Clinic, as the aneurysm enlarges, individuals may experience issues such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of fullness after small meals, or pain in the neck, back, chest, or abdomen. Swelling in the arms, neck, or face can also occur. Most individuals do not exhibit symptoms until the aneurysm ruptures, which can lead to severe complications including dizziness, rapid heart rate, and intense pain.

The Cleveland Clinic further states, “If an aneurysm ruptures, it’s a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment,” urging those affected to call emergency services without delay.

Aortic aneurysms often have genetic and lifestyle connections. They are more frequent among individuals who smoke, are over the age of 65, are male, have a family history of aneurysms, or suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension). Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention.

In summary, while the thumb palm test is not a definitive diagnostic tool, it can serve as a valuable preliminary indicator of potential heart issues. Individuals who test positive should seek medical advice to ensure their cardiovascular health remains protected.