Artery dissection is a tear that occurs on the inside wall of an artery. As this tear becomes larger, blood can pool inside the wall of the artery which can disrupt blood flow. The blood can then form a clot and more pressure builds, which could eventually cause a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain. This results in troubling symptoms, such as dizziness, fainting and trembling. Call 911 right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Other symptoms include profuse sweating and shortness of breath. A tear can naturally occur with age, but tears are also the result of injuries due to car accidents.
Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for artery dissection because tobacco smoke weakens the artery walls over time by depriving the body of oxygen. This effect increases your risk of an artery dissection, which therefore increases your risk of a stroke. The University of Newark New Jersey states that smoking dramatically increases your risk of a stroke and the risk goes up based on the number of cigarettes you smoke in one day.
Neck and Head Injury
A neck and head injury is another risk factor for developing an artery dissection. When the neck is severely injured in a car accident or other type of accident, the arteries that lead from the neck up to the brain can tear. Most doctors thoroughly evaluate patients with these types of injuries to find out if there is any possibility of an artery dissection.
Aging
General aging is another risk factor for an artery dissection. As a person grows older, the arteries and blood vessels naturally become weaker. This is why a person becomes more likely to have a stroke with age. Unfortunately no one can do much to stop aging, but you can eat a high protein diet and eat nutrient dense foods so your body stays stronger for a longer period of time.
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