Aortic Dissection Awareness Week

A stark fact to jump-start Aortic Dissection Awareness Week. People with Marfan Syndrome are at inherently greater risk of an aortic dissection. Early diagnosis and proper management of MFS are critical to survival.

Aortic dissection is the most serious complication that people with Marfan syndrome can suffer. Missed diagnosis still costs lives.  

The Marfan Trust along with other charities work tirelessly to raise awareness of aortic dissection. But awareness is also needed amongst the general public as well as in health professionals, to recognise the signs, so that they ‘Think Aorta’ and request 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.  

Read Micah's Story

Here's a link to our article on the Aorta in Marfan Syndrome!

https://www.marfantrust.org/articles/the-anatomy-of-the-aorta