How do i know if i'm at increased risk for an aortic dissection?

Certain conditions: Certain conditions greatly increase the chances of developing an aortic dissection. These include connective tissue disorders (marfan syndrome, ehlers danlos, etc). Aortic valve problems and recent procedures that involve the aorta such as cardiac catheterization also increase your risk. Finally, if someone in your family has had an aortic dissection, you and other family members are at high risk.

BP, age, Marfan's: Chronically untreated elevated blood pressure, advanced age, and marfan's syndrome (very long extremities, for your torso size). This is a rare condition to begin with. Have your physician listen for "abdominal bruit", "carotid bruit", and pursue with ultrasound if these exist and/or if large "pulsatile" mass is noted in the abdomen.