Aortic dissection, also known as aortic dissection, is a relatively rare medical emergency, in which the innermost layer of the aorta, called the intima, suffers a small tear, through which blood can leak, reaching the layers more distant. deep into the vessel and causing symptoms such as sudden and severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and even fainting.
Although rare, this condition is more common in men over age 60, especially when there is a medical history of unregulated high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, drug use or another heart problem.
- In case of suspected ortho-dissection.
- It is very important to get to the hospital quickly.
- Since when it is identified in the first 24 hours.
- The success rate of the treatment is higher.
- Which is usually done with drugs directly into the vein.
- To control blood pressure.
- And surgery.
Symptoms of aortic dissection can vary widely from one person to another, however, they can include:
Because these symptoms are similar to many other heart problems, diagnosis may take longer in people who already have previous heart disease, requiring several tests. Discover 12 symptoms of heart problems.
Whenever symptoms of heart problems appear, it is very important to get to the hospital quickly to identify the cause and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Ortho-dissection diagnosis is usually made by a cardiologist, after evaluating the person’s symptoms, medical history, and passing tests such as chest x-rays, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, CT scans, and MRI.
Aortic dissection usually occurs in a weakened aorta and is therefore more common in people with a history of high blood pressure or atherosclerosis; however, this can also occur due to other conditions that affect the aortic wall, such as Marfan syndrome or changes in the bicuspid. heart valve.
More rarely, dissection can also be due to trauma, that is, accidents or strong blows to the abdomen.
Treatment for aortic dissection should be done soon after the diagnosis is confirmed, beginning with the use of medications to lower blood pressure, such as beta blockers. Also, since pain can increase pressure and make the disease worse, strong pain relievers, such as morphine, can also be used.
In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the aortic wall. The need for surgery is evaluated by a cardiothoracic surgeon, but this usually depends on where the dissection was performed. Therefore, if the dissection affects the ascending part of the aorta, Surgery is usually indicated immediately, while if the dissection appears in the downstream, the surgeon may first evaluate disease progression and symptoms, and surgery may not even be necessary.
When necessary, it is usually a very complicated and time-consuming surgical procedure, as the surgeon must replace the affected area of the aorta with a synthetic material extract.
There are several complications associated with dissection of the aorta, the two main ones including rupture of the arteries, as well as the development of dissection to other important arteries, such as those that carry blood to the heart. Then, in addition to having aortic dissection treatment, doctors often evaluate the occurrence of complications to be treated to reduce the risk of death.
Even after treatment, there is a high risk of complications in the first 2 years and, therefore, the person must have regular consultations with the cardiologist, as well as examinations, such as CT and MRI, to identify possible complications early.
To avoid complications, people who have undergone an aortic dissection should follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid habits that can significantly increase blood pressure, so it is recommended to avoid too much physical activity and eat a balanced, low-salt diet.