Q: Which doctor should I visit in case of Aortic Dissection?
A: A cardiologist can diagnose and treat aortic dissection.
Q: Is aortic dissection a genetic condition?
A: A genetic abnormality may increase a patient's risk for the condition. For instance, some families because of their genes may develop aortic aneurysms. However, in other cases, genes may not be the primary factor.
Q: How will my doctors determine if or when I need surgery?
A: When aneurysms grow larger, surgery is recommended as they have a higher risk of rupturing or tearing. The aneurysm size at the time when surgery is advised depends on its location, the growth rate of the aneurysm and patient’s age.
Q: How long is the hospital stay after surgery?
A: The average hospital stay is about 7-10 days. This is because the surgery for aortic dissections is invasive.
Q: How often do I need to see the doctor after surgery?
A: You need to have your first postoperative visit in 4-6 weeks after the surgery. From then on, follow up visits need to be done every 6- 12 months.
