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We Don’t Fit a Mold
We May Look Very
Ordinary, Very Healthy
While some forms of TAD
have special physical
features, generally those
with BAV and familial TAD
do not.
There are other reasons
for TAD that are not based
on genetics at all, such as
injury or chronic
hypertension.
Thoracic Aortic Disease (TAD) - Who is at Risk?
Known Risk Factors
Several factors have been shown to cause thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.
Knowing these risk factors is important, because they are clues that can lead to early
detection of aortic disease.
The following are underlying factors that may result in the development of thoracic aortic
aneurysm, dissection, or both:
• Bicuspid aortic valve familial thoracic aortic disease
• Other identified connective tissue disorders
(Ehlers-Danlos, Loeys-Dietz, Marfan, Turner, Williams syndromes, etc.)
• Other unspecified familial and connective tissue disorders (Familial TAD)
• Hypertension
• High blood pressure during heavy weight lifting or other strenuous activity
• Atherosclerosis
• Smoking
• Infectious and inflammatory conditions
(Takayasu's aortitis, giant cell arteritis, rheumatoid aortitis, syphilitic aortitis)
• Injury
Injury and infection more commonly can cause pseudoaneurysm formation. A
pseudoaneurysm is different from an actual aneurysm because there is a break in the aortic
wall, and the support from neighboring structures prevents free rupture.
Any medicine that exacerbates mild hypertension (such as those used as an appetite
suppressant) can result in full hypertension. These types of medication are strongly
discouraged for anyone with aortic disease and if used, careful supervision is needed.
In addition, using crack cocaine may result in thoracic aortic dissection. Cocaine usage can
raise blood pressure to very high levels, and in some people has caused tearing of the aortic
wall.