Guide To Aortic Dissection Types

Aortic dissection is a condition where the main artery that oxygenated blood uses to exit the heart to other tissues around the body becomes torn. The aorta must be strong due to the highly pressurized blood that flows directly from the heart. This strength is achieved with three tissue layers in the aortic wall. An aortic dissection starts with the innermost layer becoming weak. This weak inner layer tears and that tear progressively becomes larger over time. Blood can then move in between the inner and middle layer of the aortic wall. This mechanism causes blood to pool in this area and stops it from flowing out to other body parts effectively. An aortic dissection produces symptoms such as severe chest pain, upper back pain, severe abdominal pain, loss of consciousness, breathlessness, difficulty speaking, leg pain, and vision loss. Treatment can vary depending on what type of aortic dissection has occurred.