UConn Health’s Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center.<\/a><\/p>\nThe wall of the aorta is made up of several layers. When a tear develops in its inner layer, blood can force its way between those layers and separate them.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can think of the wall as having layers similar to an onion skin,\u201d Siegenthaler says. \u201cOnce the innermost layer tears, the blood can shear those layers apart along the aorta.\u201d<\/p>\n
The resulting separation can interfere with blood flow to the heart, brain, intestines and other vital organs. Depending on the location and extent of the dissection, it can cause a heart attack, stroke, organ damage or sudden death. When the portion of the aorta closest to the heart is involved, emergency open-heart surgery is generally needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs soon as we see these patients in the emergency department, we go directly to the operating room,\u201d Siegenthaler says. \u201cThere is no time to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
LaMark arrived at UConn Health just as Siegenthaler was beginning his cardiac surgery practice there. He was called to the hospital that evening to perform the emergency operation.<\/p>\n
LaMark became his first patient at UConn Health.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything aligned,\u201d LaMark says. \u201cThank God he was there, because he saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The operation required stopping LaMark\u2019s heart temporarily and lowering his body temperature while the damaged portion of his aorta was repaired. Following surgery, he remained in the intensive care unit until Siegenthaler determined that he was ready to return home.<\/p>\n
LaMark remembers Siegenthaler as compassionate, attentive and exceptionally thorough.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is such a wonderful person,\u201d LaMark says. \u201cHe is very kind and very detailed. From the time I was discharged, he made sure that everything was followed closely.\u201d<\/p>\n
LaMark\u2019s recovery was complicated by the fact that he had undergone back surgery only three weeks before his aortic emergency. After spending time in the hospital and undergoing major heart surgery, he was surprised by how quickly he had lost strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I got home, I was incredibly weak,\u201d he says. \u201cIt was hard for me to walk, and I needed to use a walker.\u201d<\/p>\n
Home nursing and therapy helped him begin rebuilding his strength. Siegenthaler and his team continued to monitor him closely through follow-up appointments and imaging, including MRI, CT and ultrasound examinations.<\/p>\n
LaMark experienced additional setbacks that required two brief returns to the hospital. Despite those challenges, he continued to improve. Today, his aortic repair is doing well, and his follow-up visits have become less frequent.<\/p>\n
Aortic dissection is not the same as an aortic aneurysm, although the two conditions can be related. An aneurysm occurs when an area of the aorta becomes enlarged or weakened. A dissection occurs when a tear develops within the artery\u2019s wall.<\/p>\n
Some people with an enlarged aorta can be monitored and treated before a dissection occurs. However, many patients do not know their aorta is enlarged because it may not cause symptoms and is sometimes discovered incidentally during imaging for another condition.<\/p>\n
High blood pressure is among the most common risk factors for aortic dissection, according to Siegenthaler. Certain inherited or genetic conditions can also weaken the aortic wall and increase a person\u2019s risk.<\/p>\n
Symptoms can vary. Some people experience sudden, severe pain in the chest or back, but others may have less dramatic discomfort. Symptoms can also include shortness of breath, sweating, weakness, fainting, stroke-like symptoms or pain that travels to the neck or jaw.<\/p>\n
Siegenthaler emphasizes that new or unexplained chest discomfort should never be ignored, even when it seems bearable.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople often seek help when the pain is severe, but some patients have symptoms that are less intense and may be easier to dismiss,\u201d he says. \u201cIf you experience new chest pain or discomfort, it is important to have it evaluated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regular primary care visits, good blood pressure control and appropriate monitoring for those known to have an enlarged aorta can all help reduce risk. Patients diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm should be followed by a specialist who can determine how frequently imaging is needed and whether medical or surgical treatment is appropriate.<\/p>\n
LaMark credits his survival to recognizing that his symptoms were unusual and seeking emergency care without delay. His jaw pain was the warning sign that convinced him not to wait.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was the trigger for me to call,\u201d he says. \u201cI knew something was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
LaMark hopes sharing his experience will encourage others to listen to their bodies and take unfamiliar symptoms seriously.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf something doesn\u2019t feel right, get it checked,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s better to find out that it\u2019s nothing than to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Siegenthaler, LaMark\u2019s story demonstrates what can happen when a patient recognizes a warning sign, emergency responders act quickly and an experienced cardiac surgery team is ready.<\/p>\n
For LaMark, it is much more personal.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Siegenthaler saved my life,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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