Acute aortic syndromes are among the most lethal of the cardiovascular diseases. Delays in recognition, diagnosis, and treatment are associated with increases in mortality. Signs and symptoms are sometimes subtle and atypical, and a high index of suspicion is useful to guide the diagnostic evaluation. Uncontrolled hypertension remains the most significant treatable risk factor. Immediate management involves blood pressure reduction. β-Blockers are the first drugs of choice. Although future directions should involve the evolution of operative and endovascular techniques and the development of sophisticated risk prediction tools, risk factor modification by addressing the burden of uncontrolled hypertension cannot be overlooked.