AMI vs Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm
Dissecting aortic aneurysm - Onset of pain
Abrupt without additional symptoms
Dissecting aortic aneurysm - Region/radiation
Back possibly involved, between shoulder blades
Dissecting aortic aneurysm - Clinical signs
Blood pressure discrepancy between arms Decrease in a femoral/carotid pulse
Dissecting aortic aneurysm - Timing of pain
Doesn't abate once it has started
AMI - Onset of pain
Gradual with additional symptoms
Dissecting aortic aneurysm - Severity of pain
Highest from beginning
AMI - Severity of pain
Increases with time
AMI - Timing of pain
May wax and wane
AMI - Clinical signs
Peripheral pulses (femoral/carotid/etc) equal
Dissecting aortic aneurysm - Quality of pain
Sharp or tearing
AMI - Region/radiation
Substernal (below sternum); back is rarely involved
AMI - Quality of pain
Tightness or pressure