An aortic dissection is a serious condition where the inner layer of your aorta tears.
This causes:
- blood to flow through the tear
- the inner and middle layers of your aorta to separate (dissect)
An aortic dissection weakens the wall of your aorta. This makes it more likely to rupture. An aortic dissection may interrupt blood supply to any of your internal organs, arms or legs.
An aortic dissection is rare. It is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest emergency department now if:
An aortic dissection is usually fatal. But early diagnosis and treatment can give you the best chance of survival.
Types of aortic dissection
There are 2 types of aortic dissections. The type depends on which part of your aorta is affected.
Type A aortic dissection
This involves a tear in the part of your aorta where it exits your heart in the front of your chest.
The tear may extend into your:
- aorta in the back of your chest
- tummy (abdomen)
Type B aortic dissection
This involves a tear in your aorta in the back of your chest only.
The tear may also extend into the tummy. This is less serious. But it can cause blockage of blood flow to your kidney, intestine or legs.
Living with aortic dissection
If you have had an aortic dissection for a long time, your doctor may recommend you join a cardiac rehabilitation programme.
If you have high blood pressure, you will need medicine to make sure that it's kept below 130/80mmHg.
Do not do any extreme sports or lift anything that puts a strain on you.
You will need to have regular scans of your aorta to check:
- any repairs are working well
- the progress of type B medical management
- for any aortic disease along the less-affected parts of your aorta