JANUARY–MARCH 2024 HEARTBEAT® 15 family history, as about 20% of people have a genetic predisposition to it. Additional Considerations Individuals with a weakened and bulging artery (aortic aneurysm) are at risk, as are those with high cholesterol with hardening of the arteries (athero- sclerosis) or inflammation of the arteries (giant cell arteritis). Chest trauma or injury from an accident can also make people more susceptible to having an aortic dissection. Getting Diagnosed and Being Treated Early detection and proactive treatment saves lives, so it’s essential to be eval- uated if you are symptomatic or have risk factors. In patients with a suspected aortic dissection, computed tomography (CT) is recommended for initial diagnostic imaging. Transesophageal echocardio- gram (TEE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also diagnose an aortic dissection. CT, MRI, transtho- racic echocardiography (TTE) and TEE are all used in the diagnosis of thoracic aortic aneurysms. If the imaging finds dissection of the ascending aorta, this is a medical emergency and requires surgery. Dissec- tion of the descending aorta sometimes requires surgery but not necessarily immediately. Beta-blockers or similar medica- tions may be prescribed to lower blood pressure and reduce the force of the heartbeat. These drugs may also help slow aortic enlargement and reduce the risk of aortic dissection. Moving forward, it’s critical to have routine tests that monitor aortic health so problems can be identified before there’s an emergency. Genetic counseling and testing can also be help- ful for patients as well as family mem- bers to determine any predispositions. By having a team of specialists (including a cardiologist, cardiovascular surgeon and medical geneticist), it is possible to monitor and manage aortic disease to avoid dissection. Early Detection Is Key Because aortic dissection is so serious, survival requires early detection. Edu- cation plays a significant role in helping spread the necessary awareness around the condition so people can understand their risk factors and work with their physicians to monitor and treat any symptoms that arise. To help, MHI and The John Ritter Foundation have jointly created the Aortic Dissection Discussion Guide, which can be found at mendedhearts.org/ aortic-dissection. The site also includes The Ritter Rules that educate on how to recognize, treat and prevent aortic dissection, as well as Family Screening Recommendations provided by The John Ritter Foundation. MHI members also have access to visits from The John Ritter Foundation Aorta Advocates. Similar to MHI Accredited Visiting Program, the Aorta Advocates program allows patients to connect with someone who has walked a similar path. These trained volunteers have personal experience with aortic aneurysm and dissection, and they offer resources, information and a unique connection based on shared experiences. Whether you’re an aortic patient, a caregiver, at risk due to a genetic con- dition or have lost a loved one to aortic dissection, The John Ritter Foundation can connect you with a peer who under- stands. Learn more at johnritter- foundation.org/aorta-advocates. Photo courtesy of Donald Schwartz GET INVOLVED Since 2010, The John Ritter Foundation has provided funding and sup- port for the John Ritter Research Program (JRRP), an independent research project conducted out of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston under the direction of Dr. Dianna Milewicz. The focus of JRRP is to discover more genes that cause thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection, understand the genetic and envi- ronmental risk factors for developing thoracic aortic disease, and collect data on other symptoms associated with thoracic aortic disease. If you are interested in learning more about research projects through The John Ritter Research Program for Aortic and Vascular Diseases, visit johnritter- foundation.org/research or email JRRP.research@ uth.tmc.edu. Additionally, the Aortic Dissection Collaborative is a group of stakeholders working together to identify the patient-centered priorities for research. To join the email list, sign up at johnritterfoundation. org/ADCollab or email [email protected].
