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