Day and night, a persistent cough accompanied by even a hint of phlegm. Most would assume it's just a lingering cold. However, in a recent case, a 26-year-old woman from mainland China sought medical attention for an incessant cough, only to be diagnosed by doctors with a potentially life-threatening vascular condition—Aortic Dissection!

What is Aortic Dissection?

Aortic dissection is a high-risk medical condition that can lead to severe bleeding and potential fatality within a short period. It occurs when the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, experiences structural problems. Comparable to a tree's trunk, the aorta plays a vital role in delivering oxygen-rich blood from the heart to organs such as the brain and kidneys.

Our blood vessels consist of three layers: the intima, media, and adventitia. Aortic dissection occurs when there is a rupture in the intima or media, while the adventitia remains intact. This disrupts the normal flow of blood and creates a false lumen, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching various organs, leading to ischemic symptoms. However, if the internal pressure of the blood vessel becomes too high, the blood can burst through the outer layer, resulting in a "bursting vessel", which can cause death within minutes.

Woman's Week-Long Cough: A Result of Aortic Dilatation and Lung Complications

Typically, patients with aortic dissection experience severe chest pain, back pain, upper abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing as primary symptoms. The location and extent of the tear can have varying degrees of impact. But for this 26-year-old woman, her symptoms were limited to coughing with phlegm, which progressively worsened over the course of a week before she sought medical attention. After a thorough examination, doctors discovered a tear in her aorta starting from the end closest to the heart, extending to the renal artery and affecting the abdominal artery—a significantly severe tear. The doctors further explained that the woman's aorta had developed a narrowing and dilation issue, impinging on the left lung, causing the relentless cough. Fortunately, she underwent immediate surgical treatment and has since made a full recovery, being discharged from the hospital.

Hypertension: A High-Risk Factor - 7 Types of People Should Be Cautious!

1. Hypertension: Persistent high blood pressure levels accelerate vascular aging, exerting stress on arterial walls.

2. Smoking: Smoking causes severe damage to blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

3. Excessive Exercise: Sudden and excessive physical exertion can lead to a rapid and excessive rise in aortic blood pressure.

4. Marfan Syndrome: Patients with this condition have weaker connective tissues, resulting in an unstable structure of the aorta.

5. Atherosclerosis: Individuals with atherosclerosis have a buildup of fatty plaques on the inner walls of their blood vessels, gradually narrowing the diameter of the vessels. 

6. Previous Cardiovascular Surgery: Those who have undergone aortic replacement surgery may have alterations in the structure of their arteries.

7. Congenital Vascular Structural Issues: For example, individuals with aortic coarctation have a narrower aortic passage compared to the general population, resulting in higher pressure being exerted.

To prevent aortic dissection, it is essential to safeguard our blood vessels. If there is any suspicion, clinical examination by a healthcare professional, along with diagnostic tools such as X-rays, echocardiograms, or computed tomography scans, can provide valuable insights into the health of the aortic vessel walls.

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