How a Torn Aorta Can Do Lethal Damage

NY Times ^ | December 20, 2010 | DENISE GRADY

[neverdem]

[RobbyS]

Einstein also died from one of these.

[null and void]

dissecting ping

[jocon307]

Didn’t John Ritter die of this too? And he was a good deal younger than Einstein or Holbrooke.

[buccaneer81]

Yes, Ritter did. He was 54.

[calex59]

How a Torn Aorta Can Do Lethal Damage

Wouldn't this sentence alone be self explanatory to anyone at all familiar with what an Aorta is?

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

If you've been or are a smoker, have had hypertension, and between 55-70 years old, please get screened. I would even suggest younger if you've had long term uncontrolled high blood pressure (IMHO). If you've been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve in your life get screened regularly. I studied this in Cardiac Sonography school, and believe me this isn't something to mess around with. All it takes is a simple ultrasound and that could save your life.
They can catch it while it's still a dissection and repair it before it becomes an aneurysm.

[Oldexpat]

If you walked into an clinic..what would this ultra sound scan of your heart cost? Cash..no insurance?

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

There were several other factors I left out, but if you have any disease that involves the aorta, i.e., aortic insufficiency (regurgitation), aortic stenosis, etc. Please make sure you see your doctor on a regular basis.
I had a relative who died that didn't take it serious enough.

[LadyDoc]

this is what John Ritter died from, and the previous first gentleman of the Philippines actually was diagnosed and lived through the surgery....

[Slings and Arrows]

In related news: Water wet, fire burns.

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

Honestly I couldn't tell you as it varies from different regions. If you live in So. Cal. I could possibly set up a free echocardiogram for you at my school, if not check out this site.
http://www.findtheaaanswers.org/

If you have any concerns don't mess around. That's why I got into this field, I
don't want to see anyone else’s family be devastated by this if I can help it.
Freepmail me if you want to discuss it further, I don't mind at all.

[Reddy]

I had the same tin foil thoughts......

[spokeshave]

If you've been or are a smoker, have had hypertension, and between 55-70 years old,

Yes and Spokeshave is OK after ultrasound view.

[Strk321]

A ruptured aorta is what killed John Lennon too, although in his case it wasn’t due to natural causes.

[neverdem]

Wouldn't this sentence alone be self explanatory to anyone at all familiar with what an Aorta is?

It would be not self explanatory to the actual nature of the pathology in a dissecting aorta, IMHO. That's why I included the illustration in comment# 1. It could have been complicated by an aneurysm.

[23 Everest]

Proof, we need government takeover of health care./sac

Why didn't they take him to Cuba? According to Moose Moore they have fantastic health care on the little Caribbean island. Oh wait they banded his movie down there because is was full of Barbara Streisand.

[Grizzled Bear]

Wouldn't this sentence alone be self explanatory to anyone at all familiar with what an Aorta is?

"What is 'massive internal bleeding' Alex!"

[StayoutdaBushesWay]

Good to hear that. Did you get the ultrasound as a precaution, or did something else bring you to getting it done?
I can’t emphasize enough to my family and friends to get screened, this truly is a silent killer. It can be acute as well, if you get in an accident and suffer any chest trauma it can happen that way as well.