Is aortic dissection related to long-term use of antidepressant medications?

There is no direct association between aortic dissection and long-term use of antidepressant medications. The primary causes of aortic dissection include structural abnormalities of the aortic wall and hypertension. Antidepressants mainly function by regulating neurotransmitters and do not directly lead to the development of aortic dissection. If sudden, severe chest or back pain occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.

Aortic dissection is often related to degenerative changes in the medial layer of the aorta, uncontrolled long-term hypertension, and atherosclerosis. High-velocity blood flow can tear the intimal layer of weakened aortic walls, creating true and false lumens, making it a disease primarily linked to vascular structural abnormalities.

Commonly used clinical antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, mainly have side effects affecting the nervous, digestive, and metabolic systems. Currently, there is no clear evidence indicating that these medications damage the aortic wall or trigger dissection; the pathogenic mechanisms of these two conditions do not directly overlap.

In daily life, it is essential to strictly maintain blood pressure within the normal range, avoid strenuous physical activity and extreme emotional fluctuations, maintain regular sleep patterns and a low-salt diet, and undergo regular health check-ups to monitor vascular health. Individuals taking antidepressants long-term should follow their doctor's instructions for regular follow-up evaluations.