{"id":9399,"date":"2019-08-08T08:18:55","date_gmt":"2019-08-08T08:18:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9399"},"modified":"2021-04-22T17:18:56","modified_gmt":"2021-04-22T17:18:56","slug":"14-popular-triggers-of-aortic-dissection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-popular-triggers-of-aortic-dissection\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Popular Triggers of Aortic Dissection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Aortic dissection is the medical term used to describe an injury to the innermost layer of the aorta. This injury lets blood flow from one layer of the aorta to the next which begins to force the layers apart and cause a myriad of health issues. There are many symptoms that can be caused by a problem like this, but one of the most characteristic ones is a sudden onset of pain in either the back, chest or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The type of pain is described by patients as a tearing sensation, likely due to the fact that the layers of the aorta are forced apart by the internal blood flow. There are many things that could trigger this type of injury. In fact, there are far too many specific situations to cover, so we\u2019re going to talk about eight of the most popular triggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Traumatic chest injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common triggers for aortic dissections is any type of traumatic chest injury. This is most often blunt force trauma, though there have been some cases where a penetrative injury <\/a>led to aortic dissection. Those involved in a car accident are at high risk of aortic dissection as a large amount of force hits their chest during the impact. The rapid deceleration also presents other health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond car crashes, other traumatic injuries such as high falls or streetfights may also lead to aortic dissection. If you find yourself experiencing some of the telltale symptoms following a traumatic chest injury then you should admit yourself to a hospital immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The longer the bleed goes on, the more your aortic layers will separate \u2014 thus making it harder for surgeons to treat the injury. When any form of internal hemorrhage is present, early treatment is the key to surviving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Inflammation of the arteries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The proper term for inflammation <\/a>of the arteries is vasculitis. A common form of vasculitis is Takayasu\u2019s arteritis. This form of inflammation is damaging to the aortic tissue and thus can cause aortic dissection by weakening the tissue. Arteries may also become blocked or narrowed in addition to being weakened. Some patients with Takayasu\u2019s arteritis are asymptomatic \u2014 meaning the condition causes no visible impact on their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of patients may not require treatment unless further complications develop and symptoms arise. That being said, even some asymptomatic patients may be at higher risk for aortic dissection since the inflammation is gradually weakening the tissue, making it more likely to tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond aortic dissection, Takayasu\u2019s arteritis may also lead to hypertension, stroke, and even cardiac arrest. Bloody diarrhea and unexplained weight loss are two of the most characteristic symptoms of Takayasu\u2019s arteritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Aortic aneurysm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The term aneurysm <\/a>is thrown around a lot, but many people don\u2019t know what it means. In a nutshell, an aneurysm is the swelling of a vein or artery due to a weakness in the wall of the vessel. These aneurysms can come in various shapes, though the two most common are tubular and round. An aortic aneurysm is simply an aneurysm that develops in your aorta, as the name implies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having an aortic aneurysm puts you at immediate risk of developing an aortic dissection not long after. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two risk factors that could lead to an aortic aneurysm. Ultrasounds and CT scans are two of the most common methods used to diagnose an aortic aneurysm, though other methods such as X-rays may also be used in some instances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Cocaine use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another thing that could trigger an aortic dissection is cocaine use. In fact, many heart attacks are caused by cocaine<\/a>. After all, why would the federal government bother banning a drug unless it was actively killing people? Most heart attacks caused by cocaine occur after an hour or less from the initial usage of the drug. Statistics have even proved that a quarter of all heart attacks in patients below the age of 45 are caused by cocaine use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond heart attacks, cocaine can also cause both aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection. Myocarditis \u2014 which is the inflammation of the heart \u2014 is another issue that may arise due to cocaine use. With so many different risks to your health, it would be wise to head Nancy Reagan\u2019s advice and just say no to drugs. Speaking of drugs, here\u2019s another one that could cause aortic dissection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Methamphetamine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Much like cocaine, another illegal drug that could lead to aortic dissection is methamphetamine<\/a>. This should come as no surprise seeing as lithium batteries are one of the key ingredients in most street-made meth. Various conditions such as stroke, heart attacks, and far too many others to list could come as a result of methamphetamine use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, some have even made the argument that meth is far more dangerous than cocaine due to its inorganic ingredients that often include cleaning products. It\u2019s also leaps and bounds more dangerous than marijuana \u2014 and thus is unlikely to ever be legalized for recreational use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Methamphetamine has a hypertensive effect when used and thus significantly increases the risk of developing an aortic dissection. Studies show that it\u2019s more common as a trigger in comparison to cocaine. Needless to say, you should steer clear of both drugs if you aren\u2019t intent on dying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it may come as a surprise to some, aortic dissection can actually be triggered by pregnancy<\/a>. Most of these cases occur in the third trimester of pregnancy, though they could occur earlier on in the term. It\u2019s worth noting that cases like these are rare, but when they do occur, the aortic dissection poses a serious threat to both the life of the mother and the fetus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors believe that aortic dissection during pregnancies is the result of genetic predisposition. It should also be noted that half of the pregnant patients who developed aortic dissection also suffered from Marfan syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This led doctors to the conclusion that the syndrome increases the risk of developing aortic dissection, and that the stress during pregnancy triggers that pre-existing risk. Those who are pregnant should be admitted to a hospital immediately upon experiencing any symptoms of aortic dissection to ensure their safety and the safety of their unborn child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. High-intensity weightlifting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since the early days of bodybuilding, there have been reports of aortic dissection developing as a result of weightlifting<\/a> \u2014 particularly in high-intensity workout routines. Doctors decided to look into these reports and found that there was indeed a correlation between weightlifting and aortic dissection. The overwhelming majority of the patients they found were male, with only a small percentage being female.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mortality rate of aortic dissection caused by weightlifting appears to be around one in three. That being said, the study that set that rate only consisted of 31 patients, with 10 of them succumbing to the injury. Those who have aortic dilatation should avoid any strenuous exercise such as weightlifting to reduce the risk of developing aortic dissection. Having doctors screen the cardiovascular system prior to beginning your weightlifting career would also be wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Arteriosclerosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Arteriosclerosis <\/a>is the de facto medical term used to describe the hardening and\/or stiffening of various arteries that nutrients and oxygens out from your heart towards the rest of your body. This may restrict blood flow to your tissue and internal organs which can cause a myriad of medical complications. Fats, cholesterol, and plaque may buildup in your arteries which could obstruct the normal flow of blood through them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plaque then holds the possibility of bursting which would lead to a blood clot. Arteriosclerosis is categorized as a heart problem but it could negatively impact any part of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It increases your risk of aortic dissection due to the fact that the hardening of the arteries puts more strain on your aorta which could wear down on the tissue and eventually cause a tear. Regular exercise and a proper diet are the best ways to prevent arteriosclerosis. Smokers should also be wary of this condition as tobacco use has been linked as a risk factor.
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