Surviving a Tear in the Main Artery

Published: August 13, 2006

Aortic dissection, a tear in the wall of the bodys main artery, is one of the most painful and dangerous cardiovascular hazards. But recent research suggests that if you and your doctors respond quickly and you survive surgery and hospitalization, your odds of long-term survival are excellent. Researchers examined outcomes for 303 patients who suffered a tear in the ascending aorta, the short portion of the artery that carries blood up from the heart. Previous research…