What is Aortic Dissection?

**What is Aortic Dissection?**



**Overview**



Aortic dissection is ⁢a serious medical condition in which⁤ the layers of the aorta, the largest artery ​in the ‍body, separate and blood flows⁢ between them. This can weaken the aorta and lead to life-threatening complications, including⁤ rupture.



**Keywords:** aortic dissection, aorta, blood flow,⁣ rupture



**Causes⁣ and Risk⁤ Factors**



* High blood pressure (hypertension)

* Aortic ⁤valve disorders

* Marfan syndrome (a genetic disorder that‍ weakens ⁤connective tissue)

*⁣ Pregnancy

* Certain medications, such as cocaine

* Trauma



**Symptoms**



The symptoms⁤ of aortic dissection can vary depending⁣ on the location and severity of the dissection. Common symptoms include:



* Sudden, severe chest pain

* Pain that radiates⁤ to the back, neck, or jaw

*⁢ Difficulty breathing

* Hoarseness

* ⁣Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body

* Loss⁤ of consciousness



**Keywords:** chest pain, radiating pain, difficulty breathing,⁣ hoarseness,⁤ weakness, paralysis



**Diagnosis**



Aortic dissection is typically diagnosed using:



* **Medical history and physical examination:** Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you for signs of ⁢aortic dissection.

* **Imaging tests:** A‌ variety of imaging tests, such as‍ a CT scan or MRI, can ⁣confirm the diagnosis and show the extent of the dissection.



**Keywords:** CT scan, MRI



**Treatment**



Treatment for aortic dissection depends on the severity of the dissection. Options may include:



* **Medication:** Blood pressure ‌medications can help‌ lower blood⁢ pressure and reduce the risk of rupture.

* **Surgery:** Emergency surgery is often necessary‍ to‍ repair the dissection and prevent rupture.



**Keywords:** medication, surgery



**Complications**



If left ‍untreated, aortic ​dissection‌ can lead to life-threatening complications, such as:



* Rupture (tearing of the aorta)

* ⁣Stroke

* Organ damage

* Death



**Keywords:** rupture, stroke, organ damage, death



**Prevention**



The‍ following measures can help reduce your risk of aortic dissection:



* Control high blood pressure

* Treat aortic valve disorders

* Get regular checkups for ⁢Marfan syndrome if you have a family history‌ of the‌ condition

* Avoid using cocaine

* Avoid ⁢strenuous physical activity if you have risk factors for aortic dissection



**Keywords:** prevention, control blood pressure, treat ⁣aortic​ valve⁤ disorders, regular checkups, avoid cocaine, avoid strenuous activity