Aortic Dissection

A provider may suspect an aortic dissection based on the symptoms you’re having. But they need to determine if you have aortic dissection or other health issues, like heart attack and stroke, which produce similar symptoms. With aortic dissection, it may be hard to find a pulse in your arms and legs. A provider may find that the blood pressure in one arm is higher than the other.

Providers need to diagnose aortic dissection quickly in case you need immediate surgery. When your team makes an aortic dissection diagnosis, a critical care transport team may transfer you to a center that manages these complex conditions.

What tests will be done to diagnose aortic dissection?

A provider may order tests including:

Chest X-ray: This quick test uses a small amount of radiation to create an image of the structures in your chest, including your heart, lungs, blood vessels (like your aorta) and bones.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: This test quickly provides the best view of your aorta during an emergency so a provider can look for an aneurysm or dissection. You may receive intravenous (IV) contrast in your vein as part of the test.
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): This test uses ultrasound to provide moving pictures of your heart valves and chambers and the first portion of the aorta (the aortic root).
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): This test shows more detailed pictures of your heart valves and chambers than a transthoracic echocardiogram. It also offers better views of your thoracic aorta. A provider places the ultrasound probe through your mouth and into your esophagus, which runs directly behind your heart and in front of your descending aorta.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images of your organs and the structures inside your body, including your aorta. It provides moving pictures of your heart valves and chambers and blood flow through your aorta. This test may take longer than a typical CT scan, so providers use it less often in emergencies.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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