Serious consequences of aortic dissection are common and include Compromise of the blood supply of arteries that branch off the aorta (including coronary arteries) Aortic valvular dilation and regurgitation Heart failure Fatal rupture of the aorta through the adventitia into the pericardium, right atrium, or left pleural space Acute dissections and those present < 2 weeks are most likely to cause these complications.