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