Early diagnosis and treatment of an aortic dissection can give you the best chance of survival.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest emergency department now if:
An aortic dissection can be difficult to diagnose. This is because the symptoms are similar to symptoms of many other conditions.
A CT scan (computerised tomography scan) of your whole aorta is the best way to confirm or rule out an aortic dissection. An echocardiogram of your heart can also show if you have an aortic dissection.
Reporting your symptoms
To help with your diagnosis tell your doctor about all your symptoms - even ones that have improved or disappeared.
Give as much information as possible to your medical team.
Tell them if you:
- have a known risk of aortic dissection
- wear a medical alert bracelet
