Recognize. Act. Save Lives.

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall.

Without urgent treatment, it can lead to organ damage, stroke, cardiac tamponade, rupture, or death.

Often described as:

• Tearing 
• Ripping 
• Sharp 
• Stabbing 

The pain may be unlike anything experienced before.

Difficulty breathing or feeling unable to catch your breath.

Loss of consciousness may occur due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

• Sudden weakness 
• Difficulty speaking 
• Facial drooping 
• Loss of vision 
• Confusion

• One arm may have a weaker pulse or lower blood pressure than the other.

• Particularly if associated with known aneurysm disease.

You may be at increased risk if you have:

• High blood pressure 
• Aortic aneurysm 
• Bicuspid aortic valve 
• Marfan Syndrome 
• Loeys-Dietz Syndrome 
• Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 
• Family history of aortic disease 
• Previous heart or aortic surgery

DO

✅ Call emergency medical services immediately

✅ Go to the nearest emergency department

✅ Inform healthcare providers if you have:

• An aneurysm 
• Bicuspid aortic valve 
• Genetic aortic condition 
• Previous aortic surgery 

DO NOT

❌ Drive yourself if symptoms are severe

❌ Ignore symptoms and wait for them to improve

❌ Assume it is only indigestion, muscle pain, or stress

Sudden Chest Pain + Back Pain = Think Aorta

Time Lost = Lives Lost

If you experience sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving. These are  a few Symptoms. A regular Heart Checkup under a Medical Specialist is advised.