Aortic dissection occurs when the inner layer of the body’s main artery tears, causing blood to leak out of the area and splitting the inner and middle layers of the aorta. This condition is certainly very serious and life-threatening.
In addition, the symptoms can also be similar to other diseases. This makes sufferers late in getting a diagnosis. When the disease is detected early and immediately treated, the chances of survival of the sufferer can be greater.
Learn About Tests to Diagnose Aortic Dissection
There are a number of tests to diagnose this condition, namely:
- Complete ba lood count test to check if the body is under stress. Leaking or broken parts can cause stress to the body.
- X-rays to see images of the heart, lungs, and aorta. Through this imaging test, the doctor can see if the aorta is widening, which is a sign of this condition.
- A CT scan is another imaging test that looks at cross-sectional images of the chest and abdomen. Doctors use it to check the location and size of the tear.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram, which is a test using sound waves to see the condition of the heart.
- MRI is also an imaging test to view a cross-section of the aorta.
- MRA functions to see how blood flows in the aorta and blood vessels.
Be aware of the various causes
Weakening of the aortic wall is the main cause of this condition. Well, the trigger for this weakening of the wall is high blood pressure. However, genetic factors can also cause this condition, one of which is Marfan syndrome.
In addition to these conditions, chest injuries due to falls or accidents can also cause this condition. Other factors that increase the risk include:
- Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. High cholesterol and smoking are the biggest triggers.
- Aortic aneurysm, an abnormal enlargement or bulge in the wall of the aorta.
- Aortic valve disease.
- Congenital heart conditions, such as bicuspid aortic valve or Turner syndrome.
- Connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- A genetically inherited condition of the thoracic aorta.
- Vasculitis, an inflammation that affects the body’s blood vessels.
- Loss of elasticity of the aortic wall with age. This condition is prone to affect the elderly who are over 50 years old.
- Are pregnant and have preeclampsia?
- Use of cocaine or amphetamines prolongs periods of high blood pressure.
- Powerlifting can cause aneurysms.
How to Handle It?
Here is the procedure to handle this condition:
- Endovascular Surgery and Treatment
The doctor performs surgery and continues with endovascular treatment. Surgical options include:
- A graft operation to remove the damaged part of the aorta. The doctor then stitches the part together with a synthetic fabric tube (graft).
- Endovascular stent-graft repair with a stent graft to repair the aorta from the inside.
- Medicines
Doctors prescribe beta blockers to lower heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, patients only need medication without surgery. However, this depends on the severity of the tear.
Have a health complaint? Immediately check yourself to the doctor to get the right diagnosis.
