Health's Book

Definition

Aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition in which there is bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta, the major artery leaving the heart.

Symptoms

The symptoms usually begin suddenly, and include severe chest pain. The pain may:

• Be described as sharp, stabbing, tearing, or ripping
• Be felt below the chest bone, then moves under the shoulder blades or to the back
• Move to shoulder, neck, arm, jaw, abdomen, or hips
• Change position -- pain typically moves to the arms and legs as the aortic dissection gets worse

Other symptoms may include:

• Changes in thought ability, confusion, disorientation
• Decreased movement, any part of the body
• Decreased sensation, any part of the body
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Fainting
• Intense anxiety, anguish
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pallor
• Profuse sweating (clammy skin)
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Shortness of breath -- difficulty breathing when lying flat (orthopnea)
• Thirst