Survivors of Aortic Dissection: Activity, Mental Health, and Sexual Function

Background: Currently no research exists assessing lifestyle modifications and emotional state of acute aortic dissection ( AAD) survivors. We sought to assess activity, mental health, and sexual function in AAD survivors. Hypothesis: Physical and sexual activity will decrease in AAD survivors compared to pre-dissection. Incidence of anxiety and depression will be significant after AAD. Methods: A cross sectional survey was mailed to 197 subjects from a single academic medical center (part of larger IRAD database). Subjects were >= 18 years of age surviving a type A or B AAD between 1996 and 2011. 82 surveys were returned (overall response rate 42%). Results: Mean age +/- SD was 59.5 +/- 13.7 years, with 54.9% type A and 43.9% type B patients. Walking remained the most prevalent form of physical activity (49 (60%) pre-dissection and 47 (57%) post-dissection). Physical inactivity increased from 14 (17%) beforeAAD to 20 (24%) afterAAD; sexual activitydecreased from 31(38%) to 9 (11%) mostlyduetofear. Mostpatients (66.7%) were not exerting themselves physically or emotionally at AAD onset. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at 36 months post-discharge for patients engaging in >= 2 sessions of aerobic activity/ week was 126.67 +/- 10.30 vs. 141.10 +/- 11.87 (p-value 0.012) in those who did not. Self-reported new-onset depression after AAD was 32% and also 32% for new-onset anxiety. Conclusions: Alterations in lifestyle and emotional state are frequent in AAD survivors. Clinicians should screen for unfounded fears or beliefs after dissection that may reduce function and/ or quality of life for AAD survivors.