Aortic Dissection Week

Spot the symptoms, save a life. During Aortic Dissection Awareness Week we are sharing vital information everyone should know, beginning with today's key facts.

Aortic dissection is the most serious complication that people with Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndromes can suffer. Missed diagnosis still costs lives.  

Work to raise awareness is always going on here at the Marfan Trust and other charities are working tirelessly at this too. Awareness is needed amongst the general public as well as in health professionals, to recognise the signs, so that they ‘Think Aorta’ and get the right test at the right time.   

Symptoms 

Pain (chest, neck, back, abdomen) 

Numbness in limbs 

Collapse 

Type of pain 

Very sudden onset 

Can come and go 

Pain can be described as ripping or tearing  

Risk Factors 

* Connective tissue disorders (like Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome) 

* Family history of aortic dissection 

* Known aortic aneurysm 

* High blood pressure 

Carrying an alert card is one way to ensure your heightened risk of aortic dissection is evident to health professionals. You can also include medical alert information on your smartphone.