Epidemiology

Prevalence is thought to be similar throughout the world and regardless of sex or ethnicity.[5] Men and women are affected equally, however men tend to be more severely affected in the cardiovascular system. The incidence in the US population is not accurately known but is estimated to be 1 in 10,000.[6] The incidence in the European population is estimated to be 3 in 10,000.[7] The average life expectancy used to be only 32 years but due to early surgery, and general increase in life expectancy, is now 72 years and approaching that of the general population.[8] Once aortic dissection occurs, survival is considerably reduced to between 50% and 70% at 5 years.[9][10]

[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Impact of aortic dissection on patient survivalFrom the collection of LG Svensson, E Mendrinos, C Pournaras [Citation ends].com.bmj.content.model.Caption@59b6e06b

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