Don’t ignore severe chest pain that radiates to the back—it could signal an aortic dissection requiring urgent medical attention.
A severe pain that suddenly appears in the chest or back could be a sign of a cardiac emergency, such as an aortic dissection—a tear in the heart’s main artery (the aorta) that can disrupt blood flow to vital organs and even cause life-threatening internal bleeding. This condition is extremely dangerous and requires prompt and appropriate treatment in the Emergency Department to prevent the patient’s condition from deteriorating rapidly.
This condition is also a concern for dr. Dicky Alligheri Sp.BTKV(K) of Mayapada Hospital Jakarta Selatan. According to him, the pain caused by an aortic dissection often resembles that of a heart attack. However, it is a medical emergency with a significantly higher risk of death if it is not recognised and treated promptly. Therefore, patients should be assessed immediately by a medical team experienced in managing aortic diseases.
“An aortic dissection is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Clinical examinations and imaging tests should be carried out to assess the condition of the blood vessels in detail. The appropriate treatment will then depend on the location of the tear and the patient’s condition, ranging from strict blood pressure control and minimally invasive endovascular procedures to emergency surgery,” explained dr. Dicky.
Delays in treating an aortic dissection can be fatal, making it essential to recognise the warning signs as early as possible. Dr Yan Efrata Sembiring, Sp.B, Sp.BTKV(K) of Mayapada Hospital Surabaya explained, “An aortic dissection can cause a sharp, tearing or ripping pain in the chest that may spread to the back, abdomen, or lower back. This may be accompanied by cold sweats, shortness of breath, fainting, weakness on one side of the body, speech difficulties, and differences in pulse or blood pressure between the two arms.”
“An aortic dissection is more likely to occur in people with high blood pressure, an enlarged aorta, congenital heart defects, connective tissue disorders, a family history of the condition, trauma, or advanced age. However, it can also occur without any obvious risk factors. Therefore, managing risk factors and adopting a healthier lifestyle are essential for preventing an aortic dissection,” added Dr Yan.
Managing an aortic dissection requires a rapid response, effective coordination, and the support of well-equipped facilities and a medical team prepared to handle cardiac emergencies. To meet these needs, Mayapada Hospital provides a 24/7 Cardiac Emergency service, supported by experienced doctors and nurses, including Consultant Anaesthetists who are on standby around the clock for cases requiring surgery or advanced intensive care. The hospital is also equipped with a Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) to help ensure that diagnosis can be carried out quickly and accurately.
For patients experiencing chest pain that could indicate a range of serious conditions, including an aortic dissection, Mayapada Hospital offers a Chest Pain Unit, which provides comprehensive initial assessment of chest pain free of charge if the cause is not a heart attack. The hospital also provides comprehensive heart care through its Cardiovascular Centre, offering services that cover prevention, diagnosis, interventional procedures, cardiac surgery, and rehabilitation. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, advanced medical technology, and guidance from dedicated Cardiac Advisors for patients and their families throughout treatment and recovery, these services are available at Mayapada Hospital Jakarta (Kuningan, Lebak Bulus, and Cakung), Tangerang, Bogor, Bandung, Surabaya, and Nusantara.
Appointments with cardiologists at Mayapada Hospital can be arranged by calling 150770 or via WhatsApp at 0817-1715-077. More information about the hospital’s cardiac services across all Mayapada Hospital locations is available through the Health Articles & Tips feature on the MyCare app, as well as the Personal Health feature, which integrates with Google Fit and Health Access to monitor heart rate, calories burned, step count, and Body Mass Index (BMI).