What Causes Aortic Dissection?
Aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition in which there is bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta, the major artery carrying blood out of the heart.
Alternative Names
Aortic aneurysm - dissecting
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
When it leaves the heart, the aorta first moves up through the chest toward the head (the ascending aorta). It then bends or arches, and finally moves down through the chest and abdomen (the descending aorta).
Aortic dissection most...
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From Our Sources
Aortic dissection
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Aortic aneurysm - dissectingPreventionProper treatment and control of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure may reduce... Read more »
Aortic dissection
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Aortic aneurysm - dissectingTreatmentThe goal of treatment is to prevent complications. Hospitalization is required.Type A aortic dissections require... Read more »
Aortic dissection
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Aortic aneurysm - dissectingSymptomsThe symptoms usually begin suddenly, and include severe chest pain. The pain may:Be described as sharp, stabbing,... Read more »
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.A thoracic aortic... Read more »
Aortic insufficiency
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Aortic insufficiency is a heart valve disease in which the aortic valve weakens or balloons, preventing the valve from closing tightly. This leads to... Read more »
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