Complications of Aortic Dissection
When an aortic dissection is promptly detected and treated, the prognosis and chances of survival are significantly improved. However, if left untreated, this condition can give rise to various severe medical complications and potential fatality. According to the esteemed Mayo Clinic, some of the complications associated with aortic dissection include:
Diagnosis of Aortic Dissection
Diagnosing aortic dissection can be challenging as its symptoms often resemble those of other more common medical conditions. However, there are certain telltale signs that can help doctors differentiate it from a heart attack. These signs include discrepancies in blood pressure readings between the two arms, the observation of a widened aorta on an x-ray, and the presence of a ripping sensation reported by the patient.
When suspecting aortic dissection, your doctor may recommend the following tests to confirm the diagnosis: