Acute aortic syndrome is a term for conditions affecting your thoracic and abdominal aorta, two parts of the large artery (aorta) that carries blood from your heart to your body. These conditions include bleeding, sores (ulcers) or tears in your aortic wall. The most common cause of acute aortic syndrome is unmanaged high blood pressure.
Acute aortic syndrome is a term for conditions that affect your thoracic and abdominal aorta. The aorta is the large artery that carries blood away from your heart. The thoracic and abdominal aorta are the sections of the aorta in your chest and abdomen.
Acute aortic syndromes usually require urgent treatment, and many people need surgery. Without treatment, acute aortic syndrome can be life-threatening.
There are three types of acute aortic syndromes:
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The most common symptom of acute aortic syndrome is severe, sudden chest pain. You may also experience:
The most common cause of acute aortic syndrome is unmanaged high blood pressure (hypertension). Other causes may include:
You’re more likely to develop acute aortic syndrome if you have:
Other risk factors may include:
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Healthcare providers use tests to diagnose acute aortic syndrome, including:
The ascending aorta is the first upward portion of the aorta closest to your heart. Acute aortic syndrome in your ascending aorta requires emergency surgery. The surgeon often repairs the damage in the aorta by removing the damaged portion and replacing it with a tube made out of human-made material (synthetic graft). In severe cases, you may have an aortic valve replacement.
The descending aorta is the downward portion that connects to your arteries. Blood pressure medications can treat acute aortic syndrome in your descending aorta. You may take beta blockers or vasodilators.
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You can reduce your risk of acute aortic syndrome by practicing healthy habits, such as:
Acute aortic syndrome can be life-threatening and emergency surgery is often needed. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. The survival rate is higher for intramural hematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer than for people with acute aortic dissection.
You’ll need follow-up treatment to ensure your aorta doesn’t leak or form an aneurysm. You’ll also need to closely monitor your blood pressure long-term.
If you have acute aortic syndrome, you may also want to ask your healthcare provider:
The most common symptom in people with acute aortic dissection is sudden, severe chest pain. The pain may radiate to your abdomen or back.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Acute aortic syndrome is a term for urgent conditions that affect your thoracic or abdominal aorta. Often, these conditions require emergency surgery. For many people, the first sign of acute aortic syndrome is sudden chest pain that may radiate to the back or abdomen. You’re more likely to develop acute aortic syndrome if you have another heart condition, unmanaged blood pressure or certain genetic diseases.
Last reviewed on 10/04/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy