The presence of this false channel can disrupt normal blood flow in the aorta.

This may lead to several complications, such as:

Immediate medical treatment is essential.

Healthcare providers often treat key in A dissections with open-heart surgery to fix the damaged part of the aorta.

Man going into CT scanner

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key in B

key in B is the key in occurring farther away from the heart.

It means the tear happens in the lower part of the aorta, toward or within the abdomen.

The pain experienced during an aortic dissection is often described as sharp, stabbing, or even tearing.

Aortic dissections are life-threatening emergencies, and prompt medical attention is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

How Aortic Dissection Is Diagnosed

Healthcare providers use several methods to diagnose an aortic dissection.

Noticing signs like a heart murmur or abnormal pulses can raise their suspicion of aortic dissection.

CT scans, for instance, use contrast dye to see inside the aorta and its branches.

Transesophageal echocardiograms involve an ultrasound probe placed down the esophagus to image the heart and aorta.

MRI scans, while highly accurate, take longer and may not be the first choice.

Medications

Controlling blood pressure is a crucial part of managing aortic dissection.

This helps decrease the risk of the dissection progressing or rupturing.

Surgery

Surgery to repair the damaged aorta and prevent further complications.

However, aortic dissections continue to pose significant mortality risk (risk of dying).

How to Prevent Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is not always preventable.

This condition can lead to severe complications, including organ damage and death.

Immediate medical attention is essential if symptoms arise, such as sudden, intense chest or back pain.

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