2. Description
Aortic dissection is when a tear in the inner
wall of the aorta causes blood to flow
between the layers of the aorta and forces
the layers apart. Aortic dissection type A is
where the problem starts ascending(first)
part of the aorta. Aortic dissection type B is
where the problem starts at the
descending(end) part of the aorta.
3. Causes
Some of the causes are:
If you had chest trauma
If you have Turner Syndrome
If you have had open heart surgery
If you have Marfan Syndrome
If you need aortic valve replacement
If you have Syphilis
If you have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
4. Signs and Symptoms
Some of the symptoms are:
High blood pressure
Arteriosclerotic vascular disease
Sudden pain in the back, chest, neck or jaw
Dizzyness
5. Statistics
Aortic dissection occurs in approximately 2 out of
every 10,000 people. It can affect anyone, but is
most often seen in men aged 40 to 70.
Male to female ratio is 2:1.
Half of the females during pregnancy can get aortic
dissection.
33% of patients left untreated die within the first 24
hours and 50% die within 48 hours.
6. Treatments
Some of the treatments that your physician can
prescribe to you are:
Medical management
Interventional catheterization
Cardiovascular surgery
7. Preventions
Medication such as angiotensin receptor
blockers, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers may
help reduce the chance of aortic dissection. You
should take safety precautions injuries, which
could cause aortic dissection.
8. Interesting Facts
Many cases of aortic dissection can not be
prevented.
The DeBakey classification divides dissections into
3 types, as follows:
• Type I involves the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and
descending aorta
• Type II is confined to the ascending aorta
• Type III is confined to the descending aorta distal to
the left subclavian artery.
