Aortic Dissection
Aortic Dissection is a serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect). If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is often fatal.
Pronunciation
Aortic Dissection is pronounced as /eɪˈɔːrtɪk dɪˈsɛkʃən/.
Etymology
The term "Aortic Dissection" is derived from the Greek words "Aorte" meaning "that which is hung up," and "Dissection" from the Latin "dissecare" meaning "to cut apart."
Symptoms
Aortic dissection symptoms may be similar to those of other heart problems, such as a heart attack. Typical symptoms include sudden severe chest or upper back pain, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, and weak pulse in one arm or thigh.
Causes
Aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the inner layer of the aorta causes blood to flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta, forcing the layers apart. The most common cause is a tear or damage to the inner wall of the aorta.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aortic Dissection
- Wikipedia's article - Aortic Dissection
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