Aortic dissection is a rare though life threatening medical condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta. As blood flows through the tear and into the middle layer of the vessel, the layers begin to separate, or dissect. A rupture can then occur, causing blood to spill outside of the aorta and resulting in death. The aorta is the main blood vessel branching off the heart and the largest artery in the circulatory system. The aorta carries blood out of your heart and into your body. How can you avoid this condition? What are some of the risk factors for aortic dissection?
Aortic Dissection…A Life Threatening Condition
Aortic dissection is relatively rare, affecting 2 out of every 10,000 people. The condition is the most common catastrophic disorder that affects the aorta. Untreated, approximately 33% of patients will die within the first 24 hours and 50% will die within 48 hours. Within two weeks of onset, a full 75% of patients will succomb.
Controllable Risk Factors for Aortic Dissection
Lifestyle can play an important role in developing this condition. Understanding the controllable risk factors for aortic dissection can help you to prevent the condition.
Cocaine Use
Users of cocaine, especially crack cocaine, have a higher incidence of aortic dissection. It is believed that this is because cocaine temporarily raises blood pressure in users.
Hypertension
Hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure, is found in two-thirds of all cases of aortic dissection. High blood pressure weakens to wall of the aorta and makes it more susceptible to tearing. The exact cause of hypertension is unknown. However, there are several factors that contribute to its development including obesity, smoking, excessive sodium intake, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and stress. Getting high blood pressure under control through medication or lifestyle changes can reduce the chance of developing an aortic dissection.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, also called hardening of the arteries, is the buildup of plaque in the lining of arteries. Plaque is made up of fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium and cellular waste. Atherosclerosis usually begins in childhood, progressing as people grow older. Plaque buildup is accelerated by high fat diets, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, smoking and diabetes.
Syphilis
The vascular inflammation caused by syphilis may cause an aortic dissection to develop.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Aortic Dissection
It is important for people who have the following conditions to know they are at an increased risk of developing aortic dissection. Paying close attention to any symptoms of the condition they may be displaying can help them to get immediate medical attention and increase their chances of survival.
Disorders of the Aorta
It makes sense that people experiencing disorders of the aorta may be at an increased risk of aortic dissection. These disorders include aortic aneurysm, aortic valve problems, narrowing or enlargement of the aorta and a weakened or bulging artery.
Genetic Diseases & Heredity May Lead to Aortic Dissection
Certain genetic diseases act as risk factors for aortic dissection. Among these disorders are Turner’s Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Noonan Syndrome, annuloaortic ectasia, osteogenesis imperfecta and adult onset polycystic kidney disease. Having a first degree relative (father, mother, sister, brother or grandparent) with a history of aortic dissection is also a risk factor for developing the disorder.
Metabolic & Connective Tissue Disorders
Conditions such as homocystinuria, familial hypercholesterolemia and scleroderma put an individual at increased risk for developing an aortic dissection.
Age & Gender
Men experience aortic dissection twice as often as women. The disorder is highest in people in over age 40.
Pregnancy
Among healthy women under 40 who experience aortic dissection, 50% of cases are associated with pregnancy. Heart Procedures
Having heart surgery or procedures such as cardiac catheterization puts a person at an increased risk for developing aortic dissection.
Traumatic Injury
Blunt force trauma to the chest caused by hitting the steering wheel during an accident is a common cause of aortic dissection. This can occur immediately after the accident, or months later.
Sources Mayo Clinic: Aortic Dissection
Medscape
American Heart Association
