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Aortic rupture, chest X-ray Aortic aneurysm Aortic dissection
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Aortic dissection
Alternative Names: Aortic aneurysm - dissecting Symptoms: chest pain sudden, severe, sharp, stabbing, tearing, or ripping located below the sternum, then radiates under the shoulder blades or to the back may radiate to shoulder, neck, arm, jaw, abdomen, or hips location may change -- pain typically moves distally (to arms and legs) as the aortic dissection progresses in the same direction changes in thought ability, confusion, disorientation decreased movement, any location decreased sensation, any location intense anxiety, anguish pallor rapid pulse profuse sweating dry skin/mouth, thirst nausea and vomiting dizziness, fainting shortness of breath -- difficulty breathing when lying flat (orthopnea) The symptoms usually begin suddenly. Text Continues Below Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: excessive yawning clammy skin weak or absent pulse cough high blood pressure Signs and tests: Listening with a stethoscope at the chest and abdomen may reveal a "blowing" murmur over the aorta, a heart murmur, or other abnormality. There may be decreased (weak) pulses in the arms and hands. There may be low blood pressure, bulging neck veins, or signs resembling a heart attack. There may be signs of shock (inadequate blood flow to the body tissues), but with normal blood pressure. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>