Dr. Joe Whittington, an emergency medicine expert from California (USA), states that a simple test by stretching the thumb across the hand can warn of a high risk of aneurysm.

An aneurysm is a condition where the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, is dilated or bulging and at risk of rupturing. When it ruptures, the patient may experience severe internal bleeding and often die if not treated with emergency surgery promptly.

Dr. Whittington says: “Raise your palm and try to stretch your thumb as far as possible. Does it stop at the palm? Or does it go beyond the hand like this? If it goes beyond, you are positive for the thumb-hand test.”

If the thumb extends past the edge of the hand, it could mean that your connective tissues are very flexible, he explains. This indicates abnormal elasticity in the artery walls, which increases the risk of dilation or bulging.

He cites a 2021 study published in the American Heart Journal, where 60% of individuals with an aortic aneurysm tested positive for the thumb-hand test. This study was conducted with 305 heart surgery patients, including those with aneurysms.

Although most patients with an aneurysm show no positive signs, those who test positive are at much higher risk.

Most cases of aneurysms are asymptomatic until they rupture. However, if detected early through regular health check-ups, doctors can use blood pressure medication or other interventions to prevent complications.

When symptoms occur, patients may experience:

• Chest, neck, or back pain.

• Swelling of the head, neck, and arms.

• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

• Coughing up blood.

However, if you test positive for the thumb-hand test, don’t panic, Dr. Whittington reassures. "You should consult with your doctor for a more in-depth examination of connective tissue disorders."