Aortic dissection needs to be watched out, recognize the symptoms and the causes

Aortic dissection is a serious condition in the form of a torn inner lining of the aortic artery. The blood then flows through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissection). This condition must be watched out for, especially by the elderly (elderly) who have a history of high blood pressure or hypertension. Aortic dissection that is not handled properly, can lead to a number of dangerous complications, including severe bleeding, stroke, damage to the aortic valve, damage to other organs such as the intestine and kidney, and can even lead to death.

Recognize the Symptoms and Causes Factors

The aorta is the main large arteries that drain blood from the heart throughout the body. If there is bleeding from the inner lining of the aorta, blood can flow between the walls of blood vessels and cause aortic lining to separate. If bleeding occurs continuously, this condition can cause damage to the aorta and also a decrease in blood supply to organs (ischemia). Symptoms of aortic dissection are often difficult to recognize because they are similar to other heart problems. These symptoms include sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, until loss of consciousness. In addition, you may also experience anxiety or confusion, weakness until you are unable to move your limbs, speech difficulties, weaker pulse on one side of the hand. The main cause of aortic dissection until now has not been known with certainty. Hypertension is thought to be one of the risk factors for aortic dissection, especially if hypertension is experienced by people aged between 60-70 years. However, it does not rule out aortic dissection occurring under the age of 60 years, namely in people in their 40s, especially if they have been diagnosed with atherosclerosis or narrowing and thickening of the artery wall. Apart from hypertension and the influence of age, there are several other factors that can increase the risk of aortic dissection, including narrowing of the aortic arteries, frequent smoking, drug abuse or injury to the chest. In addition, several risk factors for aortic dissection are the influence of Marfan syndrome, a history of operations performed around the heart, high cholesterol, inflammation of the arteries, diabetes, and Turner's syndrome.

Efforts to Avoid Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is a dangerous condition. There are several ways you can do to reduce the risk of aortic dissection, namely:

• Quit smoking

Cigarette smoke can trigger a number of cardiovascular diseases, including aortic dissection.

• Control blood pressure

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, make sure you regularly monitor blood pressure.

• Use a seat belt when driving

Using a seat belt can prevent a collision or trauma to the chest if an accident occurs.

• Maintain ideal body weight

Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, wheat, and exercise regularly, can make your ideal body weight.

• Consult a doctor

If there is a family member who has a history of aortic dissection, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to avoid aortic dissection.

Although the risk of aortic dissection is higher in the elderly, it does not rule out the possibility of occurring at a younger age. If symptoms of aortic dissection occur, consult a doctor immediately.