讀後心得

Aortic dissection is a high-risk cardiovascular disease. Recently, former Minister of Transportation Guo Yaoqi was hospitalized and passed away due to this condition, garnering widespread attention. This disease often occurs during severe weather changes, with a mortality rate reaching 90%. After the inner wall of the aorta ruptures, blood enters different layers, forming a false lumen, which can lead to systemic ischemia and dangerous situations such as shock. Common symptoms include severe chest pain, pale complexion, and difficulty breathing. High-risk groups include individuals with a history of hypertension and atherosclerosis, particularly men aged 50 to 60. Preventive measures include quitting smoking, exercising, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular health check-ups. Special attention is needed for individuals with genetic issues such as Marfan syndrome.

What is aortic dissection? Recently, former Minister of Transportation Guo Yaoqi passed away due to aortic dissection, which has attracted significant attention from various sectors. Aortic dissection often occurs during extreme temperature changes and is a complex cardiovascular disease with a mortality rate of up to 90%. Without timely treatment, 48% of patients may face the risk of death within two days, making it one of the deadliest cardiovascular diseases.

The causes of aortic dissection are varied, including aging, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, trauma, inflammation, and certain connective tissue diseases (such as Marfan syndrome). Males aged 50 to 60 and above are considered a high-risk group. Factors that can trigger aortic dissection, such as chest trauma, pregnancy, or the use of certain illicit drugs, should also be paid special attention to.

The warning signs and symptoms of aortic dissection include:

• Chest pain, severe chest tightness, which may radiate to the back.
• Difficulty breathing, pale complexion, and significant decrease in activity.
• Organ ischemia may cause abdominal pain or kidney pain, and there may also be signs of brain ischemia.

For self-assessment, individuals who feel they have the following conditions should pay extra attention and seek medical assistance:

• Fingers are particularly long.
• Ability to overlap the thumb and little finger.
• When making a fist, does the thumb extend beyond the little finger?

The diagnosis of aortic dissection can be made based on physical examination, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound examinations. Treatment for acute aortic dissection is divided into medical management and surgical intervention, with specific choices depending on the patient's condition.

To prevent aortic dissection, doctors recommend following these principles:

• Quit smoking and drinking to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Develop a regular exercise habit, with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
• Pay attention to diet, choosing a balanced and healthy diet.
• Regularly check blood pressure and blood sugar, and do not arbitrarily adjust medication dosage or stop taking medication.

Due to the difficulty of diagnosing aortic dissection and its sudden onset, it is important to pay early attention to one's health. If any abnormalities are detected, seek medical help as soon as possible.