Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Cardiologist · Cardiology / Heart disease
There are several reasons why doctors might misdiagnose aortic dissection. First, the symptoms of aortic dissection can mimic other conditions, such as heart attack or stroke. This can make it hard for doctors to diagnose the condition based on symptoms alone. Additionally, aortic dissections can sometimes be difficult to spot on imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans. Finally, some research suggests that a majority of aortic dissections occur in people who have underlying risk factors (such as high blood pressure or certain genetic disorders) that are not always easily detectable.