Aortic Dissection: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Aortic dissection is an aorta emergency. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It takes the blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When a patient has aortic dissection, the aorta’s inner layer tears. Consequently, the blood enters the areas where it does not normally go. This can make the middle and the inner layers dissect or separate. When the blood trespasses through the aorta’s outer walls, the condition becomes life-threatening, demanding immediate aortic stenosis treatment.

Types

Aortic dissection is of two types

Type A

1. It is more prevalent and dangerous.
2. It involves a tear in the aorta’s part where it exits the heart.
3. The tear usually occurs in the upper aorta, extending into the abdomen.

Type B

1. It involves a tear in the lower aorta but may also extend into the abdomen.

Causes

As per the best cardiologists in India, some top causes associated with aortic dissection include:

1. Injury
2. Bicuspid aortic valve
3. Degenerative aorta diseases
4. High blood pressure
5. Marfan syndrome
6. Atherosclerosis
7. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
8. Turner Syndrome

Primarily, unmonitored blood pressure is the top cause of the aortic dissection. The second cause would be plaque formation in arteries. Atherosclerosis is another frequently observed risk factor generally relevant for aortic dissection.

As time progresses, plaque build-up and high blood pressure weaken the aorta walls, particularly in people with inherited conditions that make them suspectable to blood vessel conditions.

Risk Factors and Complications

Aortic dissection is a prevalent condition. It affects two out of every 10,000 individuals. While anybody can get aortic dissection, it is most prevalent in men aged between 40 and 70 years. Though typically linked to high blood pressure, aortic dissection may also stem from atherosclerosis.

Other aortic dissection risk factors include:

1. Untreated syphilis
2. Pregnancy
3. A hereditary connective tissue disorder
4. A prominent chest injury

Symptoms

According to heart specialists in Hyderabad, its abrupt start is the most prevalent attribute of aortic dissection. The condition can happen anytime, typically from a surge in blood pressure with heavy exertion. However, the condition may arise when:

1. doing any activity
2. sleeping
3. at rest

Sadly, there are no warning signs associated with aortic dissection.

However, the common symptoms linked to the condition are:

1. Rapid, weak pulse
2. Dizziness
3. Fainting
4. Sharp, sudden, or severe pain in the chest
5. Stabbing, tearing, or ripping feeling
6. Pain in the upper back
7. Shortness of breath
8. Pain in the belly
9. Confusion
10. Low blood pressure
11. Loss of vision
12. Heavy sweating
13. Loss of vision
14. Heavy sweating
15. Diastolic heart murmurs
16. Stroke symptoms, such as

• Trouble talking
• Paralysis on one side of the body
• Weakness

Anytime a patient experiences aortic dissection symptoms, stroke signs, or chest pain, they must get in touch with one of the best cardiologist in India.

Treatment and Solutions

To prevent severe complications and avoid death, immediate medical treatment is imperative.

Broadly, the treatment involves:

1. Surgery
2. Medication
3. Sometimes, a combination of 1 and 2

Medication

Doctors may recommend medications to treat aortic dissection.

For people with Type B, doctors may recommend:

1. Nitroprusside
2. Beta-blockers

These can

1. Prevent the tear from aggravating
2. Reduce blood pressure
3. Control heart rate

In people with Type A, doctors may also suggest some medications to stabilize the condition. However, in most cases, surgery may be needed to rectify the tear. Usually, people with aortic dissection will require medications all through their lives to keep blood pressure in check.

Surgery

In type A, surgery helps

1. Remove the aorta’s damaged part, replacing it with a tube
2. Prevents blood from entering the aortic wall

In Type B, surgery helps

1. Repair the aorta

Usually, the surgery in Type B involves the use of stents.

Follow-Up Treatment

Besides the aortic dissection medications, doctors may also recommend:

1. Hypertension medication for life
2. Regular imaging scans to monitor the condition

Prevention

While it is impossible to modify genetic factors, people can lower their risk by making a few lifestyle changes and maintaining good health.

These are as follows

1. Keep blood pressure in a healthy range
2. Avoid smoking and tobacco products
3. Assess family history
4. Undergo regular health check-ups
5. Wear a seat belt when driving to avoid chest injury
6. Exercise

Conclusion

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Recognizing symptoms and managing risk factors like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis can help prevent severe complications. Dr. Raghu, a renowned heart specialist in Hyderabad, is dedicated to offering expert care and advanced treatment options for heart conditions, including aortic dissection, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care.