Los Angeles Aortic Dissection Repair Surgeon
Risk Factors for Aortic Dissection Serious Condition
An aortic dissection occurs when there is a tear that extends along the inner wall of the aorta in the chest or abdomen. When the tear happens, two channels are created, one where the blood continues to travel and another where blood remains. As blood flows between the layers of the blood vessel wall, serious complications such as an aortic rupture or decreased blood flow to vital organs can occur.
Some of the common risk factors for an aortic dissection include:
- Atherosclerosis
- Aging
- High blood pressure
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Certain connective tissue disorders and rare genetic disorders
- Heart procedures
- Pregnancy
- Arteritis or syphilis causing blood vessels to swell abnormally
- Blunt force trauma to the chest area
Life-Threatening Symptoms of an Aortic Dissection
Symptoms of an aortic dissection are often very obvious and present themselves suddenly through severe chest pain that may feel like a heart attack, or a sharp or stabbing pain that starts in the chest and moves to other areas of the body, such as the shoulders, neck, arms, jaw, abdomen, or legs. In addition to this, individuals may experience anxiety, fainting or dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, a rapid weak pulse, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. If you are having these symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately, as the complications can be life-threatening.
Get Emergency Cardiovascular Care Today
With a ruptured aorta at stake, aortic dissection repair is considered an emergency procedure. It is necessary to have an experienced team of surgeons performing the operation. Our Los Angeles cardiovascular surgeons at the office of Azmi Atiya MD have the extensive knowledge, tools, and skills to operate on patients with aortic dissections. As a patient, you can trust us to work with the utmost precision and highest level of care possible to help save your life.
Do not hesitate to call us at (818) 561-7426!