Aortic Dissection Awareness: Understanding Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection, which refers to a tear in the wall of the blood vessel supplying the entire body, is often fatal, with most patients not surviving long enough to reach a specialist centre. However, recognising aortic dissection symptoms can be very challenging, even for healthcare professionals. Clinical experts emphasize that a CT scan is essential for a definitive diagnosis of aortic dissection, as other diagnostic tests may fail to rule it out. Increasing awareness of aortic dissection and the importance of rapid identification and accurate diagnosis is crucial for saving lives.

The diagnosis of aortic dissection is considered in fewer than half of the patients who present with related symptoms. Early recognition of this critical condition is vital—if diagnosed and treated promptly, lives can be saved.