Which of the following age groups has the highest prevalence of aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection, a serious condition characterized by a tear in the aorta, is most prevalent in older adults, particularly those in the elderly age group. The highest incidence often occurs in individuals over the age of 60, where factors such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and age-related changes in the aortic wall contribute to the increased risk.

As people age, the structural integrity of the aorta may decline, making it more susceptible to dissections. Also, chronic conditions that are more common in older populations, such as high blood pressure, play a significant role in the pathophysiology of aortic dissection.

In contrast, while aortic dissection can occur in younger patients, the prevalence is significantly lower in children and young adults due to the rarity of the risk factors that typically contribute to this condition. Middle-aged adults can also be at risk, but their incidence rates do not match those seen in elderly adults. Therefore, it is the elderly population that exhibits the highest prevalence of aortic dissection.