Aortic Dissection

Aortic Dissection - Symptoms

The symptoms of acute aortic dissection are usually dramatic with sudden, severe ripping chest or back pain. The pain may travel if there is extension of the dissection.

Related symptoms may occur as a consequence of reduced blood flow to various parts of the body, or due to the pressure exerted on vital organs by an enlarging blood clot, such as:

Shortness of breath
Fainting or dizziness
Excessive sweating, pale and clammy skin
Rapid or weak pulse
Difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body and blurred vision (similar to stroke symptoms)

Other symptoms, depending on whether the origins of major arteries are involved, include heart attack, stroke, heart failure or shock.

Aortic dissection is a dreaded diagnosis. One should ensure adequate control of high blood pressure and seek help early when symptoms arise.

Aortic Dissection - How to prevent?

Aortic Dissection - Preparing for surgery

Aortic Dissection - Post-surgery care

Cardiothoracic Surgery,

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG),

Coronary Atherosclerosis,

Heart Attack (Chest Pain),

Heart Failure,

Marfan's Syndrome

Article contributed by Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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