Aortic Dissection: Know the Warning Signs of This Life-Threatening Emergency

What Is an Aortic Dissection?

The aorta is the body’s largest artery. It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain, organs, arms and legs.

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta. Blood can then move through the tear and separate the layers of the artery wall. If blood breaks through the outer wall, the resulting internal bleeding can be fatal.

An aortic dissection is not the same as a heart attack, although the symptoms may feel similar. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment greatly improve a person’s chance of survival.

Warning Signs to Know

Symptoms often begin suddenly. They may include:

• Severe chest or upper-back pain, sometimes described as tearing, ripping or stabbing

• Pain that spreads to the neck, back, jaw, shoulder or abdomen

• Sudden, severe stomach pain

• Shortness of breath

• Fainting or loss of consciousness

• Sudden vision problems

• Difficulty speaking

• Weakness or loss of movement on one side of the body

• Leg pain or difficulty walking

Because these symptoms can resemble a heart attack, stroke or another condition, it is important not to try to diagnose the problem yourself.

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately when someone experiences:

• Sudden or severe chest, back or abdominal pain

• Sudden shortness of breath

• Fainting or loss of consciousness

• Signs of a stroke, including trouble seeing, speaking or moving

• Severe pain accompanied by sweating, confusion, weakness or a rapid heartbeat

Do not drive yourself to the hospital or wait to see whether the symptoms improve. Aortic dissection is a medical emergency, and every minute matters.

Who May Be at Greater Risk?

Aortic dissection can happen to anyone, but certain conditions may increase the risk. These include:

• High blood pressure

• Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries

• An existing aortic aneurysm

• A bicuspid aortic valve

• A family history of aortic aneurysm or dissection

• Certain genetic or connective-tissue conditions, including Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome

• Increasing age

• Smoking

• Previous injury to the chest

Men and adults age 60 and older are diagnosed more frequently, but aortic dissection can also occur in younger adults and women, including, in rare cases, during pregnancy.

Supporting Your Aortic and Heart Health

Not every aortic dissection can be prevented. However, taking care of your cardiovascular health may help lower your risk.

Work with your healthcare provider to:

• Monitor and manage your blood pressure

• Control cholesterol and blood sugar

• Avoid smoking

• Maintain a heart-healthy diet

• Stay physically active at a level appropriate for your health

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Discuss any family history of aortic disease

• Follow recommended monitoring if you have an aneurysm, heart-valve condition or connective-tissue disorder

People with an existing aortic condition should also ask their healthcare provider whether any activities, including strenuous weightlifting, need to be modified.

Awareness Can Save a Life

Chest pain should never be ignored—especially when it is sudden, severe or accompanied by shortness of breath, fainting or stroke-like symptoms.

Knowing the warning signs of an aortic dissection can help you act quickly for yourself or someone you love. When in doubt, call 911.

This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual risks and health concerns.