Aortic dissection symptoms may be similar to those of other heart problems, such as a heart attack. Typical signs and symptoms include: 
Sudden severe chest or upper back pain, often described as a tearing or ripping sensation, that spreads to the neck or down the back
Sudden severe stomach pain
Loss of consciousness
Shortness of breath
Symptoms similar to those of a stroke, including sudden vision problems, difficulty speaking, and weakness or loss of movement (paralysis) on one side of your body
Weak pulse in one arm or thigh compared with the other
Leg pain
Difficulty walking
