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Aortic Dissection
A tear in the inner wall of the main artery (aorta) that lets blood split its layers. It is a life-threatening emergency needing immediate treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Aortic aneurysm
- Inherited connective tissue disorders
- Chest injury
- Bicuspid aortic valve
Common symptoms
- Sudden severe tearing chest pain
- Pain spreading to the back
- Breathlessness
- Fainting
- Weakness or numbness
Tests & diagnosis
- CT angiography (urgent)
- Echocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- D-dimer
Treatment & management
- Call emergency services immediately — this is time-critical
- Urgent blood pressure control
- Emergency surgery to repair the aorta for certain types
- Stent-graft repair in selected cases
- Intensive care monitoring
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call your local emergency number now for sudden severe tearing chest or back pain
- Seek immediate care for chest pain with fainting or weakness
- Do not wait or drive yourself — this is an emergency
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about aortic dissection. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How is dissection different from a heart attack?
Both cause severe chest pain; dissection often feels tearing and spreads to the back. Either way, call emergency services immediately.
Can it be prevented?
Controlling blood pressure and monitoring known aneurysms lower the risk.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.