Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

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

History

Aortic dissection is a dangerous condition in which blood enters between the inner and middle layers of the aorta, the body’s main artery. Internal bleeding occurs when the artery wall ruptures. As the disease progresses, blood may escape beyond the outer layer of the aorta, which can be fatal.

This condition is diagnosed each year in about 5 to 7 people per 100,000. While relatively rare, aortic dissection accounts for 5 percent of all sudden deaths. Men are affected two to three times more often than women, and people over age 60 are at highest risk. The primary cause is high blood pressure.

Symptoms appear suddenly and include a sharp rise in blood pressure, severe chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Immediate medical attention is required—any delay can be deadly.

The first comprehensive study of this condition was performed by Frank Nicholls, who in 1760 conducted the autopsy of King George II of England and later published a report. The term “aortic dissection” was first introduced in 1802. Effective surgical treatment was proposed in 1954 by American heart surgeons Michael E. DeBakey, Denton Cooley, and Oscar Creech.

How to Take Part

Learn more about this serious condition on Aortic Dissection Awareness Day and share this information with your friends and family. Create a social media post to help raise awareness.

Schedule a cardiovascular checkup to make sure you do not have any underlying health conditions.

When is Aortic Dissection Awareness Day in 2025?

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

Observations