The Mended Hearts, Inc. has partnered with the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health to bring you education on Aortic Dissection. In 2003, John Ritter — beloved actor, husband, father, and friend — was taken suddenly due to an acute thoracic aortic dissection which was tragically misdiagnosed. Visit the John Ritter Foundation to learn more.
Learn about the John Ritter Foundation
An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body’s main artery (aorta). Blood rushes through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to split (dissect). If the blood goes through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is often deadly. Aortic Dissection is the most common in men in their 60s and 70s. Aortic dissection is life-threatening. About 40% of patients die immediately from complete rupture and bleeding out from the aorta. The risk of dying can be as high as 1% to 3% per hour until the patient gets treatment. If you have symptoms of aortic dissection, severe chest pain, or symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or seek emergency care. Visit Mayo Clinic to learn more.
Learn more from our downloadable Aortic Dissection Discussion Guide
The Ritter Rules
The Ritter Rules were created to educate on how to recognize, treat and prevent thoracic aortic dissection.
Symptoms of Aortic Dissection:
- Sudden severe, sharp pain in your chest or upper back; also described as a tearing, stabbing or ripping feeling.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fainting or dizziness.
- Low blood pressure; high suspicion when there’s a 20 mmHg pressure difference between arms.
- Diastolic heart murmur, muffled heart sounds.
- Rapid weak pulse.
- Heavy sweating.
- Confusion.
- Loss of vision.
- Stroke symptoms, including weakness or paralysis on one side of your body, trouble talking
Treatments for Aortic Dissection
- Surgery
- Medication, such as beta blockers.
