Who Is At Risk For Aortic Dissection?

An aortic dissection is a severe condition where there is a rupture of the large blood vessel that branches out of the heart. Because of the rupture, the blood that is flowing at high pressure gushes out and causes disconnection of the middle and inner zones of the large blood vessel. Aortic dissection is fatal when the accumulated blood branches out from the channel.

The presence of aortic dissection is uncommon. However, it occurs commonly in men aged between 60’s and 70’s. It is difficult to sense the presence of an aortic dissection, as the symptoms mimic of other diseases. Due to this, there is a delay in diagnosis. Nonetheless, if there is an opportunity that helps in detecting its presence in the early stage, it is possible to treat it promptly and improve the survival rate.

The symptoms of aortic dissection are similar to that of heart ailments. The following are the symptoms experienced by an individual:

• Loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty in speaking
• Blurred vision
• Paralysis
• Numbness to one side of the body
• Leg pains
• Difficulty in walking
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain that radiates to the back and neck.

If any individual senses any of the symptoms explained above, it is time to ask for immediate medical support to prevent the escalation of risks associated with aortic dissection. Although the symptoms do not indicate a severe problem, it will be helpful in screening for the presence of aortic dissection. If the results are positive on the condition is in its initial stage, the doctor will be in a position to offer an appropriate treatment that prevents a rupture.

The cause of aortic dissection is due to the weakness of the wall of the blood vessel. People suffering from high blood pressure and stress causes tearing, this results in severe condition because of the blood flow into the inner and middle layers.

It is also possible for people to possess the same by birth because of Marfan syndrome and other rare conditions that reduce the strength of the walls of the blood vessels. In rare cases, an individual can suffer from an aortic dissection caused due to an injury.

Doctors categorize aortic dissection depending on the affected area. The two categories are:

Type A Aortic Dissection: it is the standard group and a very dangerous platform, as it involves a rupture in the aorta that occurs at the exit of the heart and possesses the ability to extend into the abdomen.

Type B Aortic Dissection: the rupture or tear occurs in lower aorta and has the ability to reach into the gut.

Provided below are the risks associated with aortic dissection:

• Hypertension
• Hardening of the arteries
• Bulging artery
• Defect of an aortic valve
• Narrowness of the aorta at birth.

A few generic illnesses also pose a severe risk of increasing an aortic dissection. These include the following:

• Turner’s syndrome
• Marfan syndrome
• Tissue disorders
• Infectious and inflammatory conditions.

Other factors include:

• Gender
• Age
• Use of drugs such as cocaine
• Pregnancy
• Excessive participation in high-intensity exercises such as weightlifting.

The following tips are helpful for people who wish to reduce the risk factor of aortic dissection:

• Controlling blood pressure
• Quitting smoking and use of drugs
• Maintaining ideal body mass
• Wearing a seatbelt while driving to reduce injuries to the chest region
• Consulting a doctor in cases where an aortic dissection is a family history.

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Also Read:

• Aortic Dissection Repair Surgery: Types, Recovery Period
• What is a Type-A Aortic Dissection?
• Can an Aortic Dissection Heal On Its Own?