Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day aims to inform people about this rare but life-threatening disease. It is annually on September 19th.

History

Aortic dissection is a dangerous condition characterized by the ingress of blood between the inner and middle layers of the aorta. Internal bleeding occurs as a result of a rupture of the artery wall. With the progression of the disease, blood can penetrate beyond the outer layer of the organ, leading to death.

This condition is diagnosed annually in 5-7 patients per 100,000 people. Although the incidence is relatively low, 5% of sudden deaths are due to aortic dissection. Men are more susceptible to this disease, and it is diagnosed 2-3 times more often in men than in women. All people over the age of 60 are at risk. The main cause of aortic dissection is hypertension.

Symptoms are acute: blood pressure rises, there is a sharp pain in the chest, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Urgent medical attention is required. Delays can be fatal.

The first full-fledged study of this problem was conducted by Frank Nicholls, who in 1760 performed the autopsy of English King George II and then compiled a report. The term “aortic dissection” itself appeared only in 1802. Effective treatment through surgery was proposed in 1954 by American cardiac surgeons Michael E. DeBakey, Denton Cooley, and Oscar Creech.

How to Take Part

Learn more about this dangerous condition on Aortic Dissection Awareness Day. Share this information with your friends and family. You can also create a social media post to raise awareness among other users.

Get a cardiovascular exam to ensure you have no underlying health problems.

When is Aortic Dissection Awareness Day in 2024?

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day is observed on September 19 each year.

Observations