What is a dissecting aneurysm?

An aneurysm is an abnormal swelling in a weakened blood vessel. A dissecting aneurysm occurs when blood gets through a lengthwise tear between layers of the wall of an artery (a blood vessel carrying blood from the heart to the body). These layers then separate and swell, making a balloon-shaped formation that causes severe pain. This condition can be fatal if the artery bursts.

How does it occur?

This condition can be caused by a disease, birth defect, or injury. It is usually caused by arteriosclerosis, a common disorder that causes narrowing of arteries and reduces circulation. High blood pressure also contributes to this disease.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

• extreme chest, abdominal, or back pain

• sudden, extreme pain that moves toward the back between your shoulder blades, and may affect the hips and legs

• coughing up blood

• shortness of breath

• nausea and vomiting

• blood in bowel movements

• fainting

• difficulty swallowing

• headache.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will review your symptoms, examine you, and ask about your medical history. He or she may do the following tests:

• chest x-ray

• electrocardiogram (ECG, records electrical impulses of your heart)

• CT scan (computerized x-rays)

• angiogram (x-rays after a dye has been injected into an artery)

• cardiac ultrasonography (a moving image of the heart and blood vessels)

• blood tests.

How is it treated?

If your condition is severe, emergency measures are required. Dialing 911 summons emergency help in most communities.

The preferred treatment is immediate surgery. The doctor will replace the weakened part of the artery with a graft made of artificial material. If you have high blood pressure, you will be given fast-acting intravenous medication to lower it.

After surgery, your blood pressure and other vital signs will be monitored. You will be checked for numbness in the legs that indicates nerve compression. As you recover, you will be asked to do leg exercises every 2 to 3 hours.

How long will the effects last?

Unless it is surgically removed, an aneurysm is a permanent condition. The outlook varies, depending on the location of the aneurysm and your age and overall health. The less urgent the need for surgery, the better the chance for survival.

How can I take care of myself?

• Stop smoking.

• Lose weight if you are overweight; maintain your ideal weight.

• Eat a healthy diet that includes:
  • avoiding salty foods and cooking with added salt

  • avoiding foods high in fat and cholesterol

  • avoiding foods that make you constipated

  • increasing fiber in your diet.
• Exercise daily; walking is recommended.

• Get enough rest and learn to use relaxation techniques to help reduce stress.

• If you have high blood pressure, keep it under control.

What can be done to help prevent a dissecting aneurysm?

If your condition is the result of an injury or birth defect, it probably can't be prevented. If it is caused by high blood pressure or arteriosclerosis, follow your doctor's instructions and try to minimize stress on your body.