Aortic dissection

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Aortic aneurysm

Aortic dissection

Aortic rupture, chest X-ray

Aortic aneurysm - dissecting

The goal of treatment is to prevent complications. Hospitalization is required.

Type A aortic dissections require immediate surgery to repair the aorta. Type B aortic dissections may be treated with medication first.

Drugs that lower blood pressure may be prescribed. These drugs may be given through a vein (intravenously). Strong pain relievers are usually needed. Heart medications such as beta-blockers may reduce some of the symptoms.

If the aortic valve is damaged, valve replacement is necessary. If the heart arteries are involved, a coronary bypass is also performed.

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Aortic dissection is life threatening. The condition can be managed with surgery if it is done before the aorta ruptures. Less than half of patients with ruptured aorta survive.

• Aortic rupture causing rapid blood loss, shock
• Bleeding from the aorta
• Blood clots
• Cardiac tamponade
• Heart attack
• Not enough blood flow past the dissection
• Permanent kidney failure
• Stroke

If you have symptoms of aortic dissection or severe chest pain, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the emergency room as quickly as possible.

Review Date: 05/04/2010
Reviewed By: Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).