What is the primary management goal for aortic dissection?

The primary management goal for aortic dissection focuses on controlling heart rate and blood pressure to reduce the shear stress on the aorta and minimize the risk of further dissection or rupture. Targeting a heart rate of 60-80 beats per minute is crucial because a lower heart rate helps decrease the velocity of blood flow through the aorta. This reduces the strain on the vessel wall during an episode of dissection.

By managing the heart rate within this range, clinicians aim to keep the heart's workload low, which is essential for patient stability and decreases the likelihood of complications. Achieving this target often involves the use of beta-blockers, which not only lower heart rate but also reduce blood pressure, further contributing to the stabilization of the dissection.

In contrast to the chosen target, aiming for a heart rate below 100 beats per minute may not sufficiently protect the aorta from high flow dynamics, as a significant reduction in heart rate to the recommended range would provide more substantial protection. Similarly, while managing systolic blood pressure is important, the focus during the initial management of an aortic dissection particularly emphasizes heart rate as a primary goal in conjunction with blood pressure control.