Causes and prevention - Aortic dissection

Aortic dissection happens because of weakness in your aortic wall. There is no known single cause for this weakness.

High blood pressure over a long period of time may weaken the wall of your aorta. This makes it more likely to tear.

Things that increase your risk of aortic dissection

Aortic dissection can happen to anyone.

You are more likely to have an aortic dissection if you:

• have high blood pressure
• have an enlarged aorta (aortic aneurysm)
• have a history of aortic diseases in your family
• have a bicuspid aortic valve
• had a severe injury to your chest
• had cardiac surgery before
• smoke
• regularly use cocaine or amphetamines
• are over 6 months pregnant - this is very rare
• are a man over 50

Conditions that cause a weak aortic wall

Some people are born with a condition that causes a weak aortic wall.

These conditions include:

• Marfan syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Loeys-Dietz syndrome
• Turner's syndrome

Preventing aortic dissection

There are things you can do if you are at risk of an aortic dissection because of your family history or other risk factors.

To reduce the risk of damage to your heart and arteries:

• have a healthy diet
• exercise regularly
• stop smoking - get help to quit
• drink less alcohol
• do not use recreational drugs
• learn how to manage stress
• get a good nights sleep