U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
Overview
Symptoms
Medications
Other treatments
Tests
Risk factors
Related questions
Overview
Symptoms
Medications
Other treatments
Tests
Risk factors
Related questions
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Conditions›Heart diseases›Acute cardiovascular disease›Vascular conditions›Aneurysm›Aortic dissection

Aortic dissection

A serious condition in which the inner layer of the large blood vessel branching off the heart (the aorta) tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate.
Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge
Dr. Geoffrey Rutledgereviewed this
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Is a type of:Aneurysm
How long it usually lasts:

Chronic (lasts years to lifelong)

How common is it?

Rare

Rare

Extremely rareVery rareRareCommonVery common
Baby0-2Rare
Preteen6-13Rare
Teenager14-18
Young adult19-40
Middle-aged adult41-60Common
How it can usually be treated?

Can be cured with medical treatment

How is it usually diagnosed?

Requires diagnosis by a medical professional

Body locations

Chest

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Back pain
Speech difficulty
Low blood pressure
Load more

Medications

Ratings show how effective doctors think these medications are at treating Aortic dissection
Opioid pain medicines
Vasodilator
Blood pressure medicine
Beta blocker

Other treatments

Oxygen supplementation

Tests

D dimer
Complete blood count
Kidney function tests
Cardiac enzymes
Electrocardiogram

Risk factors

Personal

Cocaine use
Cigarette smoking

Related questions

A 47-year-old member asked:
Can aortic dissection be inherited?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
A 38-year-old member asked:
Possible aortic dissection in teen?
2 doctor answers8 doctors weighed in
A 34-year-old member asked:
How do you cope with type b aortic dissection?
1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
A 23-year-old female asked:
How common is aortic dissection in a 23yo female?
2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
A 39-year-old member asked:
What are the signs of having an aortic dissection?
1 doctor answer3 doctors weighed in
A 43-year-old member asked:
How is an aortic dissection diagnosed or ruled out?
2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
A 46-year-old member asked:
I had a aortic dissection. Could I survive another?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 43-year-old member asked:
What are the odds of surviving an aortic dissection?
2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
A 34-year-old member asked:
How do I know if I have a possible aortic dissection?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 42-year-old member asked:
Can i get aortic dissection without being hospitalized?
2 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Load more
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
TermsPrivacyCookiesDMCA
Copyright 2023 HealthTap, Inc.