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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffThe most important way to help prevent an aortic dissection is to keep your blood pressure under control. Here are a few tips to reduce your risk:
- Control your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, get a home blood pressure measuring device to help you monitor and keep your blood pressure well controlled.
- Don't smoke. Or, if you do, take steps to stop.
- Maintain an ideal weight. Follow a low-salt diet and exercise regularly.
- Watch your cholesterol. Keep your cholesterol levels within a range that is recommended by your doctor.
- Wear a seat belt. This reduces the risk of traumatic injury to your chest area.
- Keep your doctor well-informed. If you have a family history of aortic dissection, let your doctor know.
If you have a genetic condition that increases your risk of aortic dissection, your doctor may recommend medications, even if your blood pressure is normal. Talk to your doctor about which method or combination of methods is best for you.
- Rapp JH, et al. Blood vessel & lymphatic disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. 48th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=777652. Accessed Sept. 4, 2009.
- Austin JJ. Aortic dissection. In: Hall JB, et al. Principles of Critical Care. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2286477. Accessed Sept. 4, 2009.
- Manning WJ. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of aortic dissection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 18, 2009.
- Creager MA, et al. Diseases of the aorta. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2880207. Accessed Sept. 4, 2009.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=ehlersdanlossyndrome. Accessed Sept. 4, 2009.
- ABCs of preventing heart disease, stroke and heart attack. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3035374. Accessed Sept. 4, 2009.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Sept. 15, 2009.
