An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weak aortic wall stretches, causing it to bulge. An aortic dissection occurs when there’s a tear in the aortic wall, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. The ...

It often starts with sudden, sharp chest pain that feels unlike anything you have experienced before. It might spread to your back or seem to ease off, but it’s not something to brush aside. Aortic ...

When you feel sudden severe chest or upper back pain, it's easy to assume what's happening is a heart attack. It could be, but it could also be an aortic dissection -- a condition that can be severe ...