BODY SIGNAL ALERT: RIPPING PAIN IN BACK WITH WEAKNESS AND SWEATING
Description and Possible Medical Problems
If you have a history of hypertension and you suddenly feel a tearing sensation in your chest that then spreads to the back, you should see your doctor immediately. You may have what is called an aortic dissection, in which the aorta—the main body artery leading to the heart— has torn away from where it connects to the aottic valve on the heart.
In addition to the feeling that you’ve torn something inside your chest, you may start to sweat heavily, feel weak, and have a feeling of doom and futility.
Possible Medical Problems and Treatments
This is a medical emergency, and you will need to go to the emergency room immediately.
To treat a dissected aorta, your doctor will first stabilize your blood pressure with a beta-blocker. Surgery is usually necessary, using a series of grafts to repair the tear and the aortic valve. During and after your recovery, you will be monitored and prescribed a beta-blocker or another antihypertensive medication to regulate your blood pressure and help prevent another aortic dissection in the future.
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