Coronary Artery Dissection (Heart Artery Tear)
Description
The tearing of a coronary artery (artery of the heart). It can occur spontaneously or after an injury. The most common injury is during an angioplasty to relieve an obstruction.
Symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A coronary angiogram and/or CT angiogram will be done to define the injury.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the defect treatment can include: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), stenting of the artery, or observation. For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573.
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