We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Dissecting Aneurysm?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,649
Share

Also known as an aortic dissection, a dissecting aneurysm is a situation in which the inner wall of an artery has expanded and begun to rip. This allows blood to spill into the middle layer, or section, of the aorta. As a result, the middle and inner layers begin to separate or dissect, effectively widening the gap and impairing the function of the artery. If left unchecked, the collected blood will eventually cause the outer wall of the artery to rupture. While relatively uncommon, this type of aneurysm requires immediate medical attention.

Two different classes of dissecting aneurysm are currently recognized. A type A aortic dissection aneurysm is the most common example, as well as the most deadly. With this type, the rip forms at the point where the aorta exits from the heart, or starts at the upper section of the artery and extends down into the lower section that extends into the abdomen. The type B aneurysm dissection is focused solely on a rip that develops in the section of the artery that travels into the abdominal area. While less dangerous than a type A situation, the type B aneurysm is still very dangerous, and should be treated as soon as possible.

There are several reasons why a dissecting aneurysm may develop. One has to do with blood pressure. When high blood pressure occurs for an extended period of time, it can begin to weaken the walls of the aorta, making the possibility of tearing much more likely. Some type of trauma to the middle section of the body can also result in a dissecting abdominal aneurysm, which essentially is a situation where the rupturing action has become so severe that the damage is progressing to the abdominal cavity. There is also some evidence that this condition can be brought on by Marfin’s syndrome, although the chances are somewhat slim.

The symptoms associated with a dissecting aneurysm are not unlike those associated with any type of heart problem. Shortness of breath and a sense of feeling weak are two common symptoms. Individuals may also find that they feel faint more often, sometimes to the point of actually passing out. As the tearing of the artery wall continues, there is often a great deal of pain in the chest as well as the upper back that seems to travel down the back and into the pelvic region.

Surgery and medication are the current treatments used to effectively deal with a dissecting aneurysm. For patients suffering from a type B aneurysm, there is a good chance that medication, along with some lifestyle changes, can prevent any further ripping and allow the body to repair the existing damage. However, a type A aneurysm will require surgical intervention that often involves removing the damaged section of the artery and reconstructing the section with the use of plastic or metal grafts. Typically, medication is used as a follow up to the surgery, both to help ease pain and to help the body adapt to the materials used in the reconstruction process.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-dissecting-aneurysm.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.