Aortic Dissection

Being outside the health care field, I recently learned about what an Aortic Dissection is when a close family member of mine experienced one. For many, the episode can be just as painful as it sounds. This condition is spurred on by either sudden severe chest or upper back pain, often described as a tearing, ripping or shearing sensation that radiates down the back, and can lead to fainting, shortness of breath, weakness, or stroke.

According to the Mayo Clinic, an aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart. Blood surges through this tear into the middle layer of the aorta, causing the inner and middle layers to separate (dissect). If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is usually fatal. Luckily for the benefit of my family, this tear was contained and did not reach the outside aortic wall.

Aortic dissections are divided into two groups depending on which part of the aorta is affected: Type A is the more common and dangerous type of aortic dissection. It involves a tear in the ascending portion of the aorta just where it exits the heart or a tear extending from the ascending portion down to the descending portion of the aorta, which may extend into the abdomen. Type B involves a tear in the descending aorta only, which also may extend into the abdomen. Aortic dissections may be treated with medications, such as beta blockers and sodium nitroprusside, to relieve the force of blood on the aortic wall by reducing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Most people with type B dissections can be treated with medications alone.

After treatment many people with aortic dissections need to take blood pressure lowering medication for the rest of their lives. In addition, they'll often need a follow-up CT or MRI scan to monitor their condition.

After speaking with the Cardiologist, as long as these risk factors are contained, one can live a long life after experiencing this life-altering change.