The heart is perhaps the most critical internal organ. It purifies deoxygenated blood and supplies it to different body parts through a large blood vessel called the aorta. Aortic dissection is a health condition that occurs when there is a tear in the inner layers of the aorta. Thanks to the advancement in health science, aortic dissection is curable if diagnosed in time. This article discusses the disorder’s causes, symptoms, and treatments.

What causes aortic dissection?
The aorta’s inner layer can develop a tear due to several reasons. The common causes include hypertension, hardening and bulging of the arteries, or defects in the aortic valve. Regardless of the cause, the condition can worsen if undiagnosed and not taken good care of.

Aortic dissection can be divided into type A and type B. The former is dangerous as it causes a tear in the part of the aorta closer to the heart. Type B causes a tear in the lower aorta that extends toward the abdomen and is less severe.

What are its symptoms?
The common signs include high blood pressure and chest or back pain. But sometimes, the person may be asymptomatic and not realize they have a problem. Here is the list of common symptoms to look out for:

Fainting and dizziness
One may experience severe dizziness if they have aortic dissection, which is a health emergency. Dizziness occurs because the pulmonary artery does not transport blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. As a result, the different organs, including the brain, do not receive sufficient oxygen to work properly.

Digestive trouble
The circulatory system works closely with the digestive system. So, when the circulatory system malfunctions, it affects the digestive organs, such as the stomach and intestines. Consequently, one experiences gastritis, stomach pain, and nausea. When affected by aortic dissection, the body does not receive enough oxygen to break down food particles into complex forms with the help of digestive enzymes and mix them into the blood.

Shortness of breath
The circulatory system is also linked to the respiratory system. This means aortic dissection can cause breathing difficulty and other respiratory problems. When the heart fails to expand and contract like usual and supply sufficient blood, the person experiences asthma-like symptoms and shortness of breath.

Chest pain
A person diagnosed with aortic dissection may experience severe chest and back pain with a stabbing, tearing, or ripping sensation. It occurs because of the inflammation of the arteries and the tears in both layers of the aorta. However, some may not complain about any pain in the chest and back areas.

Aortic aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the walls of the aorta. The bulge can burst at any time and cause heavy internal bleeding with or without symptoms. Two main types of aortic aneurysms are thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

High or low blood pressure
Blood pressure changes are a direct cause of aortic dissection. High blood pressure damages the connective tissues of the layers of the artery walls and increases aortic wall stiffness. This can increase the risk of a stroke, which can even lead to death.

Those who experience these symptoms should visit a healthcare expert to determine the cause and rule out the possibility of aortic dissection. Doctors may recommend a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to diagnose the condition.

How is aortic dissection treated?
The healthcare expert may recommend a suitable treatment if a diagnosis is confirmed. Immediate surgeries are usually necessary for patients with type A aortic dissection. In most cases, a graft replacement is performed where the doctors remove the damaged portion of the aorta and replace it with a synthetic tube. Sometimes, the aorta is repaired using the endovascular stent grafting technique. Type B patients are initially given treatments that reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels and are kept under observation for two to three months.

Heart health has gained prominence over the years due to the rise in heart-related ailments. Individuals with aortic dissection need special care and attention. Many factors increase the risk of the condition, such as poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle practices. Incorporating good habits like exercising and eating the right foods lowers the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases to a great extent. Since aortic dissection is a life-threatening ailment, one should consult a doctor if they or a near and dear one experiences its symptoms. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better it can be managed.