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Aortic Dissection

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What is Aortic Dissection?

Aortic dissection refers to a “tearing” of the lining of the aorta, the main blood vessel that pumps blood away from the heart to the body. This tearing can cause the aorta to weaken or rupture.

Aortic dissection is a medical emergency. If you have sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain, call 911 immediately.

What Are the Symptoms of an Aortic Dissection?

Symptoms include:

Sudden severe chest pain
Sudden upper back pain
Neck pain
Jaw pain
Abdominal pain
Fainting
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Leg weakness
Weak pulse

Symptoms can resemble a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 immediately if these symptoms develop suddenly.

Types of Aortic Dissection

An aortic dissection is classified based on where the tear occurs in the aorta.

Type A Aortic Dissection

A Type A aortic dissection affects the ascending aorta, the portion of the aorta that rises from the heart. This is the most serious type of aortic dissection and usually requires emergency surgery.

Type B Aortic Dissection

A Type B aortic dissection affects the descending aorta, the portion of the aorta that travels through the chest and abdomen. Some Type B dissections can be treated with medications to control blood pressure and heart rate while the aorta is closely monitored.

What Causes an Aortic Dissection?

Aortic dissection can be caused by:

An enlarged aorta (aortic aneurysm)
Atherosclerosis
Trauma
Genetic disorders
Inflammatory disorders

Who Is Most At Risk of an Aortic Dissection?

Anyone can experience aortic dissection, but men over the age of 60 are at higher risk.

You are at higher risk of aortic dissection if you have had prior heart surgery or have:

High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Aortic aneurysm
Bicuspid aortic valve
Marfan syndrome
Loeys-Dietz syndrome
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos

Can You Prevent an Aortic Dissection?

Not every aortic dissection can be prevented, but many of the most common risk factors can be managed:

Manage high blood pressure
Manage cholesterol and diabetes
Know your family history
Quit smoking
Schedule regular medical appointments

Treatments for Aortic Dissection

At University of Rochester Medicine, emergency medicine physicians, cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and cardiac surgeons work together to evaluate patients and begin treatment as quickly as possible.

How Is an Aortic Dissection Diagnosed?

Your care team will review your symptoms and medical history. They will perform a physical examination and may order one or more imaging tests, including:

CT (computed tomography) angiography
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Echocardiogram
Chest X-ray

How Is an Aortic Dissection Treated?

The goal for treatment is to prevent the tear from worsening, restore normal blood flow, and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.

Treatment may include:

Medications to lower blood pressure and heart rate
Emergency surgery to repair or replace the damaged section of the aorta
Minimally invasive endovascular procedures
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care

Our multidisciplinary team develops a personalized treatment plan based on your condition and recovery goals. We continue to monitor patients after treatment to help reduce the risk of future complications and support lifelong heart health.

What Sets Us Apart?

University of Rochester Medicine provides the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region’s broadest range of specialized expertise for treating aortic dissections and other complex aortic conditions. Our multidisciplinary team works together to deliver the most advanced care available.

Because every aortic dissection is different, we take time to understand your condition, your goals, and your treatment options. Our specialists work closely together to explain the benefits and risks of each approach and coordinate your care, making the process as seamless as possible for you and your family.

Through our specialized aortic programs, you have access to the latest treatment techniques, innovative technologies, and expert care—all from a team focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you.