Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is when the weakened wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to leak between the layers that makes up the wall.

This can happen suddenly or slowly over time. If you have an aortic aneurysm you are higher risk of this happening. 

The symptoms of aortic dissection include:

A sudden onset of severe pain across the chest, often felt in the back or between the shoulder blades

Pain in the jaw, face, abdomen, back or lower extremities

Feeling cold, clammy and sweaty

Fainting and shortness of breath