Recovery & Support for Aortic Dissection

At NYU Langone, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and rehabilitation experts provide the support you need after an aortic dissection. They can also help prevent future heart problems by offering a variety of support services.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Services

NYU Langone offers both inpatient and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation services through the Joan and Joel Smilow Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Center, which is part of Rusk Rehabilitation.

Through NYU Langone’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, teams of specialists help you increase your endurance, lose weight, reduce stress, and prevent symptoms from worsening or returning. Specialists include occupational therapists; physical therapists; speech and language pathologists; vocational rehabilitation experts, who help people with disabilities return to work; and physiatrists, or doctors who specialize in rehabilitation.

Support Groups

To help people return to their daily routines after major heart surgery, cardiovascular support groups are available through Rusk Rehabilitation. A peer support group program offers people receiving cardiovascular rehabilitation and their families opportunities to share information and experiences.

Nutritional Guidance

A nutritious, low-sodium diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure, which is especially important for preventing an aortic dissection or helping you to heal after treatment. At NYU Langone, registered dietitians can develop a diet that can reduce your risk of heart and vascular conditions.

Nursing Care

Our nurses are specially trained in the care of those who have cardiovascular conditions. They can provide you with information about the diagnosis and treatment of an aortic dissection, as well as post-treatment care.

Psychological Support

An aortic dissection may affect not only your physical but also your emotional health. Depression has been known to occur after major heart surgery. Your doctor can refer you to social workers and psychologists who understand the challenges that can accompany treatment for a heart condition.