What Doctors do for Aortic Dissections

When a patient is diagnosed with an aortic dissection, doctors will: 

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• Control the tear: Doctors will lower the patient's blood pressure to reduce the tear. This is usually done with beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other medications. 

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• Determine if surgery is needed: Doctors will consider the location of the dissection, its chronicity, and any complications. Surgery is usually recommended for dissections in the ascending aorta, which is the first few inches closest to the heart. 

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• Treat complications: Doctors will treat any complications that arise. 

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Aortic dissection can be fatal, and death can occur within hours of the initial symptoms. Symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe chest or upper back pain that may spread to the neck or down the back

• Loss of consciousness

• Shortness of breath 

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After surgery, patients will need to take medication to control their blood pressure for the rest of their lives. They may also need to:

• Spend at least a month recovering

• Stay in the hospital for about the first week

• Stay in the intensive care unit until their vital signs are stable

• Avoid strenuous physical activities and sports