Aortic dissection is a serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart, tears and allows blood to flow between the layers of the wall. This can cause the aorta to enlarge and weaken, leading to a risk of aortic rupture, which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of aortic dissection can include sudden, severe chest pain that may feel like a sharp, tearing sensation and spread to the back, neck, or down the arm. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and fainting.

The exact cause of aortic dissection is not known, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors such as high blood pressure, genetics, and underlying conditions such as Marfan syndrome or atherosclerosis.

Treatment for aortic dissection typically involves surgery to repair or replace the affected portion of the aorta. In some cases, medication may also be used to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

If you are experiencing symptoms of aortic dissection, it's important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can be critical in reducing the risk of serious complications and improving outcomes.

An aortic dissection is caused by a weakened area of the aorta's wall.

Aortic dissections are divided into two groups, depending on which part of the aorta is affected:

• Type A. This more common and dangerous type involves a tear in the part of the aorta where it exits the heart. The tear may also occur in the upper aorta (ascending aorta), which may extend into the abdomen.
• Type B. This type involves a tear in the lower aorta only (descending aorta), which may also extend into the abdomen.

You can reduce your risk of an aortic dissection by preventing chest injury and taking steps to keep your heart healthy.

• Control blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, get a home blood pressure measuring device to help you monitor your blood pressure.
• Don't smoke. If you do smoke, take steps to stop.
• Maintain an ideal weight. Follow a low-salt diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and exercise regularly.
• Wear a seat belt. This reduces the risk of chest injury during a car accident.
• Work with your doctor. If you have a family history of aortic dissection, a connective tissue disorder or a bicuspid aortic valve, tell your doctor. If you have an aortic aneurysm, find out how often you need monitoring and if surgery is necessary to repair your aneurysm.
• If you have a genetic condition that increases your risk of aortic dissection, your doctor may recommend medications, even if your blood pressure is normal.

An aortic dissection is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Treatment may include surgery or medications, depending on the area of the aorta involved.

Type A aortic dissection

Treatment for type A aortic dissection may include:

• Surgery. Surgeons remove as much of the dissected aorta as possible and stop blood from leaking into the aortic wall. A synthetic tube (graft) is used to reconstruct the aorta. If the aortic valve leaks as a result of the damaged aorta, it may be replaced at the same time. The new valve is placed within the graft.
• Medications. Medications are given to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, which can prevent the aortic dissection from worsening. They may be given to people with type A aortic dissection to control blood pressure before surgery.

Type B aortic dissection

Treatment of type B aortic dissection may include:

• Medications. The same medications that are used to treat type A aortic dissection may be used without surgery to treat type B aortic dissections.
• Surgery. The procedure is similar to that used to correct a type A aortic dissection. Sometimes stents — small wire mesh tubes that act as a sort of scaffolding — may be placed in the aorta to repair complicated type B aortic dissections.

After treatment, you may need to take medication to control your blood pressure for the rest of your life. You may need regular CT scans or MRI scans to monitor your condition.