After recent sudden deaths in the news
What is an aortic dissection?
Recent headlines have brought new attention to this life-threatening condition — and many people are asking what it is, whether they're at risk, and what the aorta inside their own chest looks like right now.
An aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body's largest artery.
It is different from an aortic aneurysm, but both affect the aorta — and both can develop silently.
A full body CT scan provides a detailed look at the aorta through the chest and abdomen.
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Understanding the condition
A tear in the body's largest artery
The aorta is the main highway for blood leaving your heart. Its wall is built in layers. In an aortic dissection, the inner layer tears, and blood surges into the wall itself — forcing the layers apart and creating a false channel.
That's why dissection is so dangerous: it can restrict blood flow to vital organs or weaken the wall of the artery, and it often strikes with little or no warning.
What many people don't realize is that some of the conditions associated with dissection risk — such as an enlarged aorta or aortic aneurysm — can develop silently for years before anything is felt. That's where advanced detection imaging comes in.
Two conditions, one artery
Dissection vs. aneurysm — what's the difference?
They're often mentioned together in the news, and both affect the aorta. But they are not the same thing.
Dissection A tear
The inner layer of the aortic wall tears, and blood pushes between the layers of the wall. Aortic dissection is a medical emergency — it typically causes sudden, severe chest or back pain and requires immediate emergency care.
Aneurysm A bulge
A section of the aorta weakens and balloons outward. Aneurysms often grow slowly and silently over years — many people have no idea one exists. An enlarged aorta can also raise the risk of a future dissection or rupture.
The silent nature of aortic enlargement is exactly why imaging matters. You can't feel the size of your aorta — but a CT scan can measure it.
Where the scan fits in
A detailed look at the aorta — through the chest and abdomen
The Advanced Body Scan Full Body CT Scan images from the neck to the pelvis, giving board-certified physicians a clear view of the aorta along with the heart, lungs, and major internal organs.
Views the aorta in the chest and abdomen — where thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms can develop
May identify aortic enlargement and aneurysms before symptoms ever appear
Includes a coronary calcium score — a measurable look at hidden heart disease risk
The scan itself takes under 5 minutes — no needles, no prep, no downtime
Reviewed by board-certified physicians, with results you can share with your own doctor
Private results — not reported to insurance companies; no referral needed
Is this scan right for you?
Advanced detection imaging is designed for people without active symptoms who want more information about what's happening inside their body — especially those over 40, with high blood pressure, a family history of heart or vascular disease, or a smoking history.
No scan can find every condition, and a scan is not a diagnosis — but it can give you and your doctor information that a routine checkup may never reveal.
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Having symptoms right now? Do not schedule a scan — call 911.
Aortic dissection is a medical emergency. If you or someone near you has sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Advanced Body Scan is for early detection in people without active symptoms — it is not for emergencies.
Simple next step
How the free consultation works
Step One
Request your consultation
Fill out the short form or call 405-242-1400. There's no cost and no obligation.
Step Two
Talk with our team
We'll answer your questions, review your risk factors, and help you understand whether a full body scan may be right for you.
Step Three
Schedule on your terms
If you decide to move forward, we'll find a time that works for you. The scan itself takes under 5 minutes.
The Gold Standard for Early Detection
You can't feel the condition of your aorta.
You can see it.
Get the information you need to take control of your health — before symptoms ever appear.
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