Sudden, stabbing chest pains saw Tabitha rushed to hospital in 2021. She had suffered an aortic dissection and underwent emergency surgery. The underlying cause was revealed as Marfan syndrome and Tabs has since made a full recovery. But not every story ends this happily. 50% of dissection patients die before reaching specialist care and Tabs' partner Tom is raising funds and awareness to help our Trust.
by Tom Wilkinson
I’m raising money for the Marfan Trust, who undertake medical research into Marfan syndrome and supports those with the condition. In 2021, my partner (Tabitha) was blue-lighted to hospital due to sudden chest pain. After some scans, it was found she’d had an aortic dissection, and required emergency heart surgery. Tabs has since made a full recovery, with the cause of her heart issue identified as an underlying genetic condition: Marfan syndrome.
Tabs is tall and slender with long limbs and stretch marks, which I understand is characteristic of Marfan syndrome. No one else in her family has the condition so she is spontaneous.
So, this cause is deeply personal to both me and Tabs, to raise awareness of the condition and fundraise for the Trust in its vital efforts - advancing research and providing support to those living with Marfan syndrome.
I am running the Brighton Marathon on 6 April and would be grateful for any support.
Not every story ends happily like Tabitha's. Many Marfan patient remain dangerously untreated. We estimate there are 18,000 people in the UK living with Marfan syndrome, of whom approximately 8,000 are undiagnosed. Download this pamphlet today and distribute it widely to help us find them.
Managing Marfan and Its Future - Download Today
Aortic Dissection - Facts and Figures
20% experiencing Aortic Dissection will die before they reach a hospital
50% die before they reach specialist care and surgery
Around 2000 people a year die of Aortic Dissection
33% experience delayed diagnosis
Around 73% of patients who undergo surgery for Aortic Dissection will survive
Tabitha experienced a Type A dissection, i.e. tear develops in the ascending part of the aorta just as it branches off the heart. A type A aortic dissection is an emergency and needs immediate treatment. Around half of patients will die within 24 hours if they do not get to an emergency department for treatment. During the first 24 hours, with each passing hour, 1-2% of patients will die if left untreated. Timely treatment is therefore crucial to save lives.
