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

Abstract

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%) before AAD to 20 (24%) after AAD; sexual activity decreased from 31 (38%) to 9 (11%) mostly due to fear. Most patients (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.

© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Figures

Figure 1

Relevant questions from the lifestyle survey.

Figure 2

Percentage of patients engaging in various exercises and activities before and after AAD and P values. P values for before vs after: running (0.250), bicycling (0.125), weightlifting (0.180), walking (0.839), team sports (0.125), tennis/racket sports (1.00), golf (0.289), sexual relations (0.000), other forms of cardio (0.152), no exercise (0.263). Abbreviations: AAD, acute aortic dissection.