Aortic dissection: symptoms, causes, to treatment

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Definition

What is an aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection is a dangerous condition in which the walls of the aorta, the walls of the main blood vessels of the heart, are torn and eventually result in separation.

The aorta is the largest major vessel that carries blood away from the heart. The aorta is divided into several parts, namely the ascending aorta (which points upward), the aortic arch, and the descending aorta (which points downward).

The danger is that the dissection funnels blood from your aorta. This can lead to fatal complications, such as ruptured arteries or severe blockage of blood flow. Serious complications can arise if the dissection breaks and sends blood into the space around your heart or lungs.

Based on the location where it occurred, this condition is divided into two, namely:

• Type A, which is a more common and dangerous type. The tear is in the aorta or in the upper aorta (ascending aorta), which can extend to the abdomen.
• Type B, which tends to be lighter than type A. The tear is located in the lower aorta (descending aorta), which can also extend into the stomach.

The symptoms exhibited by aortic dissection are often similar to those of other conditions. This can lead to late diagnosis. However, early treatment and diagnosis can increase your chances of survival.

How common is this condition?

Aortic dissection generally occurs in men aged 60 to 70 years but can affect people as early as 40 years. This can be dangerous and cause sudden death or heart failure.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, aortic dissection has symptoms similar to heart problems, such as a heart attack. In most cases, this disease comes on suddenly with symptoms:

• Pain in the chest below the sternum and radiating to the shoulders, neck, arms and between the shoulder blades or in the back.
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Restless
• Blood pressure goes up
• Fast heart rate
• There is a difference in blood pressure in the two arms

There are other signs and symptoms not listed above. If you notice any of the symptoms above, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

Tearing of the aortic wall can be very dangerous. If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or severe chest pain, fainting or shortness of breath, consult your doctor or the nearest medical service immediately.

These signs and symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious condition. However, early treatment and diagnosis can save your life.

Cause

What causes aortic dissection?

The cause is unknown, but a torn aortic wall can result from high blood pressure and clots in the blood vessels. It can also occur in connection with tissue disorders such as Marfan's syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Infections such as syphilis can also trigger an aneurysm (protrusion in the artery), although it is rare, and it is possible to cause separation.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for aortic dissection?

Conditions that can be risk factors for aortic dissection include:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Weak and bulging arteries (aortic aneurysms)
• Defective aortic valve
• Narrowing of the aortic valve at birth
• Genetic diseases such as syndromes Turner, Marfan, disease of the tissue link (Ehlers-Darlos), and inflammatory or infectious conditions (large arterial cells and syphilis).

In addition, other factors that may increase the risk of aortic dissection are:

• Gender. Men are more likely to have an aortic dissection.
• Age. This condition usually appears at the age of 60-80 years.
• Cocaine use. These medicines may be a risk factor because they can increase blood pressure.
• High intensity weight lifting. This exercise can increase the risk of this disease because it can increase blood pressure during activity.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Treatment may include surgery or medications, depending on the area of ​​the aorta that is affected.

Type A

Treatments for aortic dissection are:

• Operation. The doctor will remove the aorta, block the entry of blood into the aortic wall and reshape the aorta with a synthetic tube called a graft. If the aortic valve is damaged, it can be replaced at the same time. The new valve is placed in the graft.
• Drugs. Some medications, such as beta blockers and nitroprusside (Nitropress), can lower blood pressure, which can prevent the condition from getting worse.

Type B

The treatments for this condition are:

• Drugs. Medicines used to treat type A aortic dissection can treat this condition without surgery.
• Operation. The procedure is similar to that performed for type A treatment.

After treatment, you may need to take blood pressure-lowering medications for life. Additionally, you may need to have regular follow-up CT or MRI scans to monitor your condition.

What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?

If the doctor detects this disease based on your medical history and medical examination, additional tests can be in the form computed tomography (CT), MRI, or Transesophageal echocardiography.

• On the test transesophageal echocardiography, The doctor places an examiner in the mouth to the esophagus to get a view of the aorta.
• An MRI uses a magnetic field to view the aorta
• In angiography, the doctor places a thin tube through the artery down to the aorta and injects a contrast dye to take pictures of the aorta.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat aortic dissection?

The lifestyle changes and home remedies below can help you manage aortic dissection:

• Control your blood pressure. Most aortic dissections occur in people with long-term hypertension.
• Follow a low-salt diet, exercise, and lose weight.
• Do not smoke.
• Use a seat belt to avoid injury to the chest.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.