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