Researchers from Yale University in Connecticut, led by Dr. John Elefteriades, have developed a simple and quick test that can aid in the early detection of aortic aneurysms — life-threatening expansions of the blood vessels. An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement caused by weakened or damaged artery walls, which can form anywhere in the body, but most commonly occurs in the aorta or brain. If this bulge suddenly ruptures, it can lead to internal bleeding, which is often fatal. Therefore, early detection of the problem is of critical importance.
Dr. Elefteriades’ team proposes the so-called «thumb test», which can show initial signs of a possible aneurysm. The method is extremely simple: a person needs to extend their hand with the palm up and stretch the thumb as far inward towards the palm as possible. If the thumb can pass beyond the edge of the open palm without the hand bending, this could be a signal of aneurysm risk. Why does this test work? According to scientists, the ability of the thumb to move in this way may be a sign of weak joints and overly stretched bones — symptoms associated with disorders in the connective tissue, including in the aorta.
To test their theory, Dr. Elefteriades and his team conducted tests on 305 patients who had already undergone heart surgeries, including for aortic aneurysms. It turned out that most people with a diagnosed aneurysm were not able to bend their thumb so that it passed beyond the palm, but a significant percentage of the subjects were able to do so. These results lead scientists to conclude that if a person can successfully perform this test, there is a serious likelihood of suffering from an aortic aneurysm.
However, although useful as an initial check, this method cannot replace a full medical examination. Specialists advise anyone who gets a positive result on the test to consult with a cardiologist and undergo additional tests to assess the real risk to their health.
