Aortic dissection occurs when there is a partial tear in the aortic wall
It is a time critical-medical emergency that when diagnosed and treated on time has a better than 80% survival rate.
For some patients with aortic dissection, there is a hereditary cause. Relatives of such patients should be screened to ensure that they are not at risk.
Help us shape a safer future for those impacted
33%
of those suffering from an aortic dissection are misdiagnosed
2000
people per year lose their lives from aortic dissection in the UK
11%
of maternal deaths from cardiovascular causes are due to aortic dissection
10
lives could be saved per week with the correct diagnosis
My mother attended A&E with every single symptom of aortic dissection. She was told she had food poisoning. 9 hours later she passed away at the age of 55.
The lack of AD knowledge, management, and skills is simply inadequate and change needs to happen.
My 17 year old son died from an undiagnosed aortic dissection. This can happen to the very young too.
We need to ensure that A&E doctors are trained to look for and understand the signs of an aortic dissection.
Together, we are making a difference
We are the UK & Ireland charity uniting patients, families and the medical community in a shared goal of improving diagnosis, increasing survival and reducing disability due to aortic dissection.
Clip courtesy of Rob Brydon and Spotify.
Educating Medical Professionals
We facilitate education for medical professionals and patients in the UK & Ireland across the patient pathway
Changing Healthcare Policy
We work with those who are responsible for healthcare policy in the UK & Ireland to ensure that there is consistency in the provision of diagnosis for acute aortic dissection, specialised follow-up for survivors and access to clinical genetics for relatives
Supporting Research
We fund and promote medical research into the detection, prevention and treatment of aortic dissection
Aortic dissection advice created by experts
Patient Resources
Guiding you on your journey following an aortic dissection. Free online resources for families and those who have or are at risk of aortic dissection.
Primary Care Field Guide
Supporting multi-disciplinary teams of GPs, nurses, pharmacists & other healthcare professionals involved in cardiovascular disease care.
HCP Resources
Free open access AortaEd resources for healthcare professionals interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in this crucial area.
Emily
In 2024, Emily completed an incredible challenge: running 12 races across 12 UK counties, all while dressed as Miracle the Unicorn. Her mission was inspired by her family’s experience with aortic dissection. Her mother survived the condition, and her sister Rebecca faced a severe dissection at 42, leading to multiple organ failures and the amputation of her toes.
Through her Running for Aortic Dissection Awareness campaign, Emily raised awareness and funds for aortic dissection research. Her efforts highlighted the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment, and she raised significant funds to support the Trust’s educational initiatives.
Emily’s journey turned personal adversity into action, spreading hope and inspiration to those affected by aortic dissection and their families.
“I’m lucky we found the charity and they are amazing in terms of being able to support families.”
Donate £50 and help support our research into preventing more aortic dissection related deaths
Your donation helps to fund our aortic dissection projects, which support those with and at risk of the condition.
In Collaboration With
The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust
Registered charity in the England & Wales No. 1191420
Registered charity in Scotland No. SC051517
PO Box 812, Hope Valley, Chesterfield S40 9QY
The information and materials on this site are for general information purposes only. This site is not designed to provide individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns, please speak to your GP. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.