Great sadness for Andy Fletcher – the Depeche Mode keyboard player passed away on May 26, 2022 at the age of 60. It has now been revealed that a rupture in his aorta led to his death.
A month after the death of Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher, the cause of death has now been determined. “Andy suffered an aortic dissection at home on May 26th. Although it was far, far too early, he died naturally and without long suffering,» the band’s official Instagram page said. FITBOOK explains what exactly an aortic dissection is and what the warning signs are.
What is an aortic dissection?
Type A
In the case of an aortic dissection, a distinction is made between type A and type B. Type A is characterized by the fact that it occurs in the ascending part of the aorta. So the main artery near the heart is affected, which is why type A dissection is also the most dangerous form.
Type B
In the case of type B dissection, on the other hand, the descending part of the aorta is affected, i.e. the part below the left subclavian artery.
What exactly happens with an aortic dissection?
During an aortic dissection, the innermost layer of the wall of the main artery tears. The tear in the aorta causes blood to leak between the underlying layers of the wall. The layers of the wall are separated as a new vascular space filled with blood is created. This is dangerous because it causes vessels branching off the aorta, e.g. B. to the head or the coronary arteries, can be depressed. Or they no longer receive enough blood to supply the organs to which they lead.
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What warning signs are there?
While the rupture can occur suddenly, there are warning signs. The reduced blood flow can lead to a number of symptoms, also depending on whether it is type A or type B. These include:
- sudden, very severe chest or abdominal pain (this pain occurs within a few seconds and may radiate between the shoulder blades and further into the back)
- lack of pulse, for example in an arm, carotid artery or legs
- Pain in the affected extremities with circulatory disorders in the arms or legs
- fainting or impaired consciousness
- shortness of breath
- State of shock if the heart is affected
- Tingling, pain or paralysis in the limbs
- hoarseness
- droopy eyelid and constricted pupils
- Symptoms of a stroke when the arteries supplying the brain are involved
- Abdominal pain due to circulatory disorders in the intestine
- Pain in the side with circulatory disorders of the kidneys
- Signs of paralysis due to reduced blood flow to the spinal cord
If you notice these symptoms yourself or someone close to you is affected, call an ambulance immediately. If it is actually an aortic dissection, quick action is required.
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Can an aortic dissection be treated?
Because some of the possible symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack, a reliable diagnosis in the hospital is necessary and important. This is done using computed tomography. In addition to determining that it is an aortic dissection, it is also necessary to determine whether it is type A or B. Both the urgency and the type of treatment depend on it.
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What is the treatment for type B?
Type B is the form that is not immediately life-threatening. It can in turn be divided into two types – the uncomplicated and the complicated. The former usually does not require surgery. Instead, blood pressure, heart rate and pain are treated with medication. Lifestyle changes can also minimize risk factors and possibly slow or stop the progression of the disease. In addition, the attending physician observes the development of the aortic dissection in regular examinations in order to be able to intervene quickly if necessary.
Complicated type B aortic dissection is often accompanied by persistent pain. It also affects the blood pressure of the patient who is treated appropriately with antihypertensive drugs. Because this form of aortic dissection causes the aorta to expand, which can progress to the point of rupturing, doctors usually perform minimally invasive stenting to prevent this.
Which therapy helps with type A?
People who suffer a type A dissection are in imminent mortal danger. Fast action is required because, according to the German Heart Center Berlin, statistically two percent of patients die every hour that the tear in the aorta is left untreated.
The only possible therapy for type A aortic dissection is open-heart surgery as soon as possible. Depending on the location and extent of the damage, the affected section of the aorta is replaced with a vascular prosthesis or an artificial aortic valve is used.
What type of aortic dissection caused Andy Fletcher’s death?
The announcement of Andy Fletcher’s cause of death did not make it clear what type of aortic dissection it was. However, since he apparently died suddenly, it can be assumed that he suffered the dangerous type A – and unfortunately help did not come quickly enough to save his life.