讀後心得

Aortic dissection is a lethal cardiovascular disease with a mortality rate as high as 90%. Recently, former Transportation Minister 郭瑤琪 was sent to the hospital and passed away due to aortic dissection, attracting attention. This disease often occurs during drastic temperature changes, with primary causes including aging, hypertension, and connective tissue disorders. Symptoms include severe chest pain, pallor, and difficulty breathing; persistent discomfort requires immediate medical attention. Preventive measures include quitting smoking, exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and controlling the three highs (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol). The diagnosis and treatment of aortic dissection require professional medical care, and its significance cannot be ignored.

What is aortic dissection? Recently, former Minister of Transportation 郭瑤琪 passed away due to aortic dissection, which has attracted widespread attention from all sectors. This condition is common during significant temperature changes and is a complex cardiovascular disease with a mortality rate as high as 90%. If not treated promptly, 48% of patients may die within two days, making it one of the deadliest cardiovascular diseases.

The causes of aortic dissection include aortic degeneration, aging, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and connective tissue diseases. High-risk groups include patients with chronic hypertension, coronary artery disease, and those with a family history of aortic dissection. Additionally, smoking, pregnancy, trauma, and the use of certain illegal drugs may also increase the risk.

Signs and symptoms of aortic dissection may include severe chest pain, back pain, difficulty breathing, and pale complexion. When the chest or back experiences tearing pain, especially if the pain shifts as the condition progresses, patients should seek medical attention immediately.

In terms of self-assessment, if there are long fingers or overlapping fingers, it may be a sign of Marfan syndrome and should be taken seriously. Diagnosis of aortic dissection is usually confirmed through physical examination, X-rays, electrocardiograms, and computed tomography scans.

In treatment, acute aortic dissection can be divided into medical treatment and surgical intervention, depending on the site of the dissection. Distal dissections are typically managed with medical therapy, while proximal dissections often require emergency surgery.

Preventing aortic dissection involves quitting smoking, exercising, paying attention to diet and lifestyle, and having regular health check-ups. Particularly for those with hypertension, monitoring health indicators regularly and following medical advice is essential.