Aortic dissection

Description

A tear in the inner layer of the body's main artery, called the aorta.

Overview

An aortic dissection is a medical emergency. In this condition, a tear happens in the inner layer of the body's main artery branching off the heart. This artery is called the aorta. Aortic dissection is most common in men in their 60s and 70s.

Symptoms

Symptoms include sudden stomach pain and sudden, severe chest pain that spreads to the neck or down the back. Other symptoms include loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, and stroke symptoms such as trouble seeing, speaking or moving.

Treatments

Treatment may include surgery to fix the aorta and medicines to help reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. Treatment depends on the area of the aorta involved.