An aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening medical emergency. It happens when a tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Blood flows into the tear and separates the layers of the artery wall. This can reduce blood flow to important organs or even cause the aorta to rupture.
Although aortic dissection is uncommon, it requires immediate medical treatment. Learning about the risk factors and warning signs may help people get care sooner.
High Blood Pressure Is the Biggest Risk Factor
The most common risk factor for aortic dissection is high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Over time, high blood pressure puts extra stress on the wall of the aorta. This can weaken the artery and make it more likely to tear.
Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range through regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting salt, avoiding smoking, and taking prescribed medications can help lower the risk.
Age, Sex, and Family History Can Increase Risk
Aortic dissection becomes more common as people get older. It also happens more often in men than in women.
Some people are born with inherited conditions that make the walls of the aorta weaker. These include Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. People with these conditions have a higher chance of developing an aortic aneurysm or an aortic dissection at a younger age.
A family history of aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections may also increase risk. If these conditions run in your family, talk with your healthcare provider about whether screening is right for you.
Aortic Aneurysms Raise the Risk
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or widening in the wall of the aorta. Many aneurysms do not cause symptoms and are found during imaging tests done for other reasons.
Not every aneurysm leads to a dissection, but having an aneurysm greatly increases the chance that the weakened artery wall could tear. Regular monitoring can help doctors decide when treatment is needed before a serious problem develops.
Other Health and Lifestyle Risk Factors
Several other factors can weaken the aorta or increase stress on it.
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises the risk of aneurysms and dissections. Obesity can increase inflammation throughout the body, which may also affect the health of the blood vessels.
Certain inflammatory diseases, including giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, may weaken the aortic wall over time.
Cocaine and other stimulant drugs can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure, increasing the risk of an aortic dissection, especially in younger adults.
Pregnancy and Medical Procedures
Pregnancy slightly increases the risk of aortic dissection, especially in women who already have an inherited connective tissue disorder. Changes in blood flow, hormones, and the extra work placed on the heart can all contribute.
In rare cases, medical procedures involving the aorta can also lead to a dissection.
Know the Warning Signs
The most common symptom of an aortic dissection is sudden, severe chest or upper back pain. Many people describe the pain as tearing, ripping, or sharp.
Other symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Weakness or numbness
- Trouble speaking
- Pain that spreads to the neck, jaw, abdomen, or back
These symptoms are a medical emergency. Anyone with these symptoms should call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
What This Means for You
Some risk factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed. However, many others can.
Controlling blood pressure, avoiding tobacco and stimulant drugs, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular medical care if you have an aneurysm or inherited connective tissue disorder can all help lower your risk.
While aortic dissection is rare, knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can save a life.
Source
Howard C, McClure RS. Risk factors for aortic dissection. J Clin Med. 2024;13(21):6386. doi:10.3390/jcm13216386. Accessed by https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11571388/
