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Which are the symptoms of Aortic Dissection?

See the worst symptoms of affected by Aortic Dissection here

Aortic Dissection symptoms

Symptoms of Aortic Dissection


Aortic dissection is a serious medical condition that occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, causing the layers to separate. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Recognizing the symptoms of aortic dissection is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.



1. Sudden, Severe Chest or Back Pain


The most common symptom of aortic dissection is sudden, severe chest or back pain. This pain is often described as a tearing or ripping sensation and is typically intense and unrelenting. The pain may radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms. It is important to note that the location of the pain can vary depending on the site of the tear in the aorta.



2. Unequal Blood Pressure


In some cases, aortic dissection can cause a significant difference in blood pressure between the arms. This is known as unequal blood pressure and can be a telltale sign of the condition. A blood pressure measurement in both arms should be taken to check for any discrepancies.



3. Neurological Symptoms


Aortic dissection can also lead to various neurological symptoms, including weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one or more limbs. These symptoms may be indicative of reduced blood flow to the brain or spinal cord due to the dissection.



4. Fainting or Loss of Consciousness


In some cases, aortic dissection can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting or loss of consciousness. This occurs when the dissection affects blood flow to vital organs, including the brain.



5. Shortness of Breath


Aortic dissection can result in shortness of breath due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. This can occur if the dissection extends into the aortic valve or the main arteries that supply blood to the lungs.



6. Hoarseness or Difficulty Speaking


If the aortic dissection affects the nerves that control the vocal cords, it can lead to hoarseness or difficulty speaking. This symptom may occur if the dissection involves the aortic arch, which is located near the vocal cords.



7. Cold or Clammy Skin


In severe cases of aortic dissection, reduced blood flow to the extremities can cause the skin to become cold or clammy. This is a result of inadequate blood supply to the arms and legs.



8. Other Symptoms


Additional symptoms of aortic dissection may include anxiety, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and a rapid heart rate. These symptoms can vary depending on the extent and location of the dissection.



If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Aortic dissection is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.


Diseasemaps
31 answers
It is called the silent killer. No somptoms before it got acute. Then a variety of symptoms. Many have severe pain in chest or back. Often misdiagnosed for heart attack. If one survives from an acute aortic dissection, there are many different scenarios - depending on how bad the acute phase was. After open heart surgery and repaid of the aorta, multiple problems can be present, or for some, very few remaining problems are there.

Posted Mar 29, 2017 by Timo Söderlund 6072
*sorry for bad English*

I felt a really painful ripping in my chest. The day after, I was feeling really sick. Had a bad pain in my lower back and a strange pain between my shoulder blades.

Posted May 20, 2017 by Karin 400
Severe pain in back and kidney area, dizziness, collapse.

Posted Jul 12, 2017 by Errol 1650
Depending on the type of Aortic aneurysm attack, the pain threshold varies. I had Descending aortic dissection and for me ,it was stabbing pain at the back and front. Also right leg felt heavy and numbness with pins and needle effect on the sole of feet.

Posted Jul 19, 2017 by Rudesh 550
Tearing pain, low blood pressure, collapsed on the floor.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Allison Seed 302
The worst symptom in my Dissection was the excruciating chest pain radiating through to my back and travelling through to my abdomen.
I did not have the classic tearing sensation, it was more of a fluttering feel as the dissection ran downward quickly.
Dan Burgess UK

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Dan 1998
Der vernichtende Schmerz, welcher nicht enden wollte . Ich könnte nicht liegen, nicht sitzen - bis zum Zusammenbruch.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Regina 802
My symptoms began with complete loss of the use of my legs. I called emergency, went to the ER, but the legs got better and nothing was found. The next day, I apparently woke my friend Tom who was staying with me and I told him to call 911. My dissection was fortunately discovered. After my legs gave out and I was waiting for the ambulance, I had intense pain in my back, especially along my left shoulder blade. I knew something was terribly wrong, but the pain seemed diverse except for the back pain. I also had an intense feeling of doom which hasn't completely left me after a year.

Posted Sep 14, 2017 by Bill 350
Often there are no noticeable symptoms OF Aortic disease, until the very moment of dissection(s) when the Inner layer of the Artery tears away/tears open its generally described as a Tearing sensation Pain down the Back during an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (Type B) or more similar to a classic heart attack (pain radiating down one side in a Thoracic Ascending Aortic (Type A) When the Aorta Tears The pain is excruciating compared to any other kind except childbirth (Ladies?)

Posted Sep 21, 2017 by Jim 5641
Tiredness and dizziness

Posted Sep 23, 2017 by Christine 1400
While driving, I felt my left left go numb.
I know something was wrong I drove myself straight to the ER. By the time I arrived and got back to see the doctor there was no pulse in my foot and it had turned blue. My blood pressure was off the chart at the time. The ER doctor knew exactly what it was and I was medflighted to Vanderbilt within 30 minutes. I never experienced any pain in my abdomen nor my back.

Posted Oct 4, 2017 by Lynette 100
Normally tjere are no obvious symtoms...but pre dissection pain is usually severe

Posted Feb 3, 2018 by Lindsay McKinney 2520
Tiredness, back ache

Posted Feb 4, 2018 by Julie 750
Pain over the chest going to the lower back just over the kindeys

Posted Feb 10, 2018 by Marvinskan 1100
I had experienced severe back pain.

Posted Mar 2, 2018 by Mark 600
The symptoms are the same as a heart attack. Shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue. For a b dissection like mine, l had waves og pain in my lower back, like a kindey stone passing.

Posted Jun 3, 2018 by Jeppe 2300
Sudden sharp chest pain can radiate to back,no BP, Pale,diaphoretic

Posted Jun 6, 2018 by Karhleenmc 800
My symptoms were a burning sensation at the back of my throat followed by extreme breathing difficulties combined with chest pains.

Posted Sep 23, 2018 by Stefan 2500
Symptoms include fatigue, cognitive vagueness, short term memory issues, dizziness, lack of physical endurance, emotional dissonance.
Fatigue and low physical endurance affect all aspects of your new life

Posted Nov 7, 2018 by Sean 900
Sudden pain in the chest and sometimes between the shoulders, Dizzy Ness, sweating, fainting.

Posted Mar 12, 2019 by Bengt 2500
Felt like BAD heart burn.

Posted May 13, 2019 by Chris 1600
Breathless, stabbing back pain, tiredness, feeling weak, faint

Posted Jul 20, 2019 by Sean 400
Death
Death
Death
Death

Posted Jul 29, 2019 by MCSzombie 6220
Their are none. I woke up with back pain, few hours later I went to the hospital and only after two CT scans (one of my lower back and one of my chest) I was rushed to a thoracic theater for surgery.

Posted Aug 31, 2019 by [email protected] 800
Initially, I had intense chest pain with a ripping feeling. Emergency surgery was done. I had no prior symptoms, but after five surgeries over 33 years I have many problems as a result of the surgeries. The problems, after the first surgeries were not terrible and with time they got better. These were back problems, lack of stamina, some vision problems and confusion. My last operation, done at Johns Hopkins about four years ago was to replace a valve. The surgeon who took this on told me that if we didn’t do it, I would probably not last a less than a year. But if I went to surgery, my chances were very slim. There was just too much scar tissue to deal with. I made it through the surgery, but I was at Hopkins for close to five months. They had to induced a coma for a week or so. I ended up in a wheelchair and on oxygen (do to a tracheotomy during surgery) for over a year. Today, I am off oxygen, but can’t walk far without being out of breath. My back is constantly a source of pain. And my memory has been effected. There are many other small problems, but considering everything, I am just happy to be alive at 70 years of age!

Posted Oct 8, 2019 by Sandy 2500
Extreme sharp or tearing pain in the chest, back or stomach that can radiate to other areas of the body.
Nausea or vomiting
syncope or fainting
Numbness in the limbs

Posted Jan 20, 2020 by Kurt 900
During my AD I experienced complete vision loss. I was cold and clammy to touch, but sweating a lot. These symptoms continued and then I began with sharp sudden stabbing in my chest. My blood pressures read completely different in one arm and the other.

Posted Jan 21, 2020 by jessbezmc 900
Chest pains, moderate and sudden (no other symptoms)

Posted May 26, 2020 by Arne 2300
I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their em ail at [email protected] . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!

Posted Apr 4, 2021 by Robert 9039
Not knowing what High blood pressure # or High heart rate could trigger another one. I have no after symptoms except a pain in my right shoulder when lifting my arm above shoulder height.

Posted Apr 2, 2022 by Larry 2550

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