What are the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection?

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What are the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection?

The most common characteristic of aortic dissection is its abrupt start. It can happen at any time, while doing anything, or at rest or when you’re sleeping.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Sudden severe, sharp pain in your chest or upper back; also described as a tearing, stabbing or ripping feeling.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Fainting or dizziness.
  • Low blood pressure; high suspicion when there’s a 20 mmHg pressure difference between arms.
  • Diastolic heart murmur, muffled heart sounds.
  • Rapid weak pulse.
  • Heavy sweating.
  • Confusion.
  • Loss of vision.
  • Stroke symptoms, including weakness or paralysis on one side of your body, trouble talking.

Aortic dissection is life-threatening. About 40% of patients die immediately from complete rupture and bleeding out from the aorta. The risk of dying can be as high as 1% to 3% per hour until the patient gets treatment. If you have symptoms of aortic dissection, severe chest pain, or symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or seek emergency care. When the diagnosis is made, you may be transferred by a critical care transport team to a referral center with the expertise to manage these complex conditions.

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