Coronary artery dissection (heart artery tear)

About Coronary artery dissection (heart artery tear)

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 & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. A coronary angiogram and/or CT angiogram will be done to define the injury.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, Troponin, X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

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.

Medical specialties

Cardiothoracic Surgery · Cardiology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Coronary artery dissection (heart artery tear).