Some of the things that may raise your risk of aortic dissection include:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Weakened and bulging artery (aortic aneurysm)
- An aortic valve defect (bicuspid aortic valve)
- A narrowing of the aorta at birth (aortic coarctation)
What is the main cause of aortic dissection?It's believed that most aortic dissections are caused by an underlying vulnerability that may be inherited. In others, the stress to the aortic wall from constant high blood pressure can weaken the aorta wall in susceptible people, resulting in a tear and dissection.
- What is the biggest risk factor for aortic dissection?Typical symptoms of acute aortic dissection include severe chest pain, hypotension or syncope and, hence, mimic acute myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism. Advanced age, male gender, long-term history of arterial hypertension and the presence of aortic aneurysm confer the greatest population attributable risk.
- What illness causes aortic dissection?Risk factors for aortic dissection are similar to those of a thoracic aortic aneurysm: Family history of aortic aneurysm or dissection. Genetic conditions that affect connective tissues in your body, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Bicuspid aortic valve disease.
- What are the red flags of aortic dissection?Sudden, severe upper back or chest pain (often described as a “tearing” sensation from the neck down the back) Sudden, severe belly pain. Leg pain. Mild neck, jaw, or chest pain.
