Q: 32 year old male preparing for London 2012 summer olympics in "Competitive Weightlifting" - complained of severe chest pain during training session which was radiating to back. What could be your first concern?



Answer: Aortic Dissection

There are increasing evidence that weight lifting related acute aortic dissection is a real phenomenon. Routine  screening echocardiography is recommended in such sports competition. Person with known aortic dilatation should be advised against weight lifting.


Weight lifting and aortic dissection: more evidence for a connection - Cardiology. 2007;107(2):103-6.