| Aortic dissection is a potentially | | | | for aortic dissection, most likely |
| life-threatening condition. Aortic | | | | because the drug temporarily raises |
| dissection, also called dissecting | | | | blood pressure. |
| aneurysm Aortic dissection is a tear in | | | | Turner syndrome also increases the risk |
| the wall of the aorta that causes blood | | | | of aortic dissection, by aortic root |
| to flow between the layers of the wall | | | | dilatation. Marfan syndrome condition in |
| of the aorta and force the layers apart. | | | | which connective tissue, which supports |
| The dissecting aorta usually does not | | | | various structures in the body, is weak. |
| burst, but has an abnormal second | | | | People with this disorder often have |
| channel within it. An aortic dissection | | | | aneurysms of the aorta and other blood |
| may also involve abnormal widening or | | | | vessels. The goal of treatment is |
| ballooning of the aorta (aneurysm). The | | | | prevention of complications.Calcium |
| symptoms of aortic dissection mostly | | | | channel blockers can be used in the |
| chest pain. This pain is often described | | | | treatment of aortic dissection. |
| as very severe and tearing; it's | | | | Anti-hypertensives may be prescribed. |
| associated with cold sweat. The pain may | | | | These drugs may be given through a vein |
| be localized to the front or back of the | | | | (intravenously). Strong pain relievers |
| chest. Typically the pain moves as the | | | | are usually needed. Heart medications |
| dissection gets worse. Other symptoms | | | | such as beta-blockers may reduce some of |
| and signs depend on the arterial | | | | the symptoms. Adequate treatment and |
| branches involved and compression of | | | | control of atherosclerosis and high |
| nearby organs. | | | | blood pressure may reduce the risk. Take |
| The extent of the pain is proportional | | | | safety precautions to prevent injuries. |
| to the length of the dissection. | | | | Many cases are not preventable. |
| Neurologic complications of aortic | | | | Acute Aortic Dissection Treatment and |
| dissection are due to involvement of one | | | | Prevention Tips |
| or more arteries supplying portions of | | | | 1. Surgery to repair or replace the |
| the central nervous system. Aortic | | | | damaged section of aorta. |
| dissection occurs in approximately 2 out | | | | 2. Calcium channel blockers can be used |
| of every 10,000 people. It is most often | | | | in the treatment of aortic dissection. |
| seen in men aged 40 to 70. Aortic | | | | 3. Aggressive management of heart rate |
| dissection is more common in blacks than | | | | and blood pressure should be initiated. |
| in whites and less common in Asians than | | | | 4. Beta-blockers should be given |
| in whites. Men have aortic dissection | | | | initially to reduce the rate of change |
| more often than women do. Distal | | | | of blood pressure. |
| dissection occurs most often between | | | | 5. Keep your cholesterol levels within a |
| ages 60 and 70. High blood pressure is | | | | range. |
| the most common factor predisposing the | | | | 6. Wear a seat belt because it reduces |
| aorta to dissection. It's implicated in | | | | the risk of injury to your chest area. |
| 62-78 percent of cases. Cocaine use has | | | | 7. Eat low-salt diet and exercise |
| also been implicated as a risk factor | | | | regularly. |