Why does sustained hypertension increase the risk of aortic dissection more than acute hypertension in a previously healthy individual?

💡 Explanation

Sustained hypertension promotes vascular remodeling, altering the aortic wall structure and weakening it over time. This remodeling includes changes in collagen and elastin. Because of the decreased structural integrity, the vessel becomes more prone to dissection; therefore, chronic hypertension increases risk, rather than acute spikes.

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