Acute Aortic Dissection Information

Aortic dissection is a potentially life-threateningtemporarily raises blood pressure.
condition. Aortic dissection, also called dissectingTurner syndrome also increases the risk of aortic
aneurysm Aortic dissection is a tear in the wall of thedissection, by aortic root dilatation. Marfan syndrome
aorta that causes blood to flow between the layers ofcondition in which connective tissue, which supports
the wall of the aorta and force the layers apart. Thevarious structures in the body, is weak. People with this
dissecting aorta usually does not burst, but has andisorder often have aneurysms of the aorta and other
abnormal second channel within it. An aortic dissectionblood vessels. The goal of treatment is prevention of
may also involve abnormal widening or ballooning ofcomplications.Calcium channel blockers can be used in
the aorta (aneurysm). The symptoms of aorticthe treatment of aortic dissection. Anti-hypertensives
dissection mostly chest pain. This pain is oftenmay be prescribed. These drugs may be given
described as very severe and tearing; it's associatedthrough a vein (intravenously). Strong pain relievers are
with cold sweat. The pain may be localized to theusually needed. Heart medications such as
front or back of the chest. Typically the pain moves asbeta-blockers may reduce some of the symptoms.
the dissection gets worse. Other symptoms and signsAdequate treatment and control of atherosclerosis
depend on the arterial branches involved andand 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 ofnot preventable.
the dissection. Neurologic complications of aorticAcute Aortic Dissection Treatment and Prevention
dissection are due to involvement of one or moreTips
arteries supplying portions of the central nervous1. Surgery to repair or replace the damaged section of
system. Aortic dissection occurs in approximately 2aorta.
out of every 10,000 people. It is most often seen in2. Calcium channel blockers can be used in the
men aged 40 to 70. Aortic dissection is more commontreatment of aortic dissection.
in blacks than in whites and less common in Asians3. Aggressive management of heart rate and blood
than in whites. Men have aortic dissection more oftenpressure should be initiated.
than women do. Distal dissection occurs most often4. Beta-blockers should be given initially to reduce the
between ages 60 and 70. High blood pressure is therate of change of blood pressure.
most common factor predisposing the aorta to5. 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 factorinjury to your chest area.
for aortic dissection, most likely because the drug7. Eat low-salt diet and exercise regularly.