What impact does hypertension have on the risk of aortic dissection?

Hypertension has a well-established role in increasing the risk of aortic dissection significantly. Chronic high blood pressure contributes to the degradation of the aortic wall, making it more susceptible to tears and dissections. The increased pressure within the aorta can lead to mechanical stress, ultimately resulting in structural changes like cystic medial necrosis and elastic lamina fragmentation.

In patients with unmanaged or poorly controlled hypertension, the risk of severe complications such as aortic dissection rises sharply. This relationship highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling blood pressure in patients to mitigate their risk of such serious cardiovascular events.

While other factors may influence the likelihood of dissection, including connective tissue disorders and age, the specific impact of hypertension remains a prominent risk factor that should not be overlooked in clinical practice.