Aortic dissection is caused by a tear or damage to the inner wall of the aorta, the major artery carrying blood out of the heart. This damage allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, creating separate channels and potentially leading to aortic rupture or decreased blood flow to organs. Key causes and risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension), which weakens the aortic wall over time
- Aging and atherosclerosis (build-up of fats, cholesterol, and calcium in arteries)
- Genetic connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Congenital heart conditions like bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation of the aorta
- Chest trauma, such as blunt trauma from accidents
- Inflammatory or infectious diseases causing vasculitis
- Certain lifestyle factors and drugs, including cocaine use and intense physical exertion like heavy lifting
- Other risk factors like pregnancy, family history of aortic disease, and previous heart surgery
Essentially, aortic dissection results from a weakened or damaged aortic wall that tears, often in the chest area where stress on the aorta is highest. The tear sets off a dangerous flow of blood within the layers of the vessel wall.
