Aortic Disease Awareness Month: Why knowing the signs could save a life
September is Aortic Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating patients, families, healthcare professionals and communities about diseases affecting the aorta, the body’s largest organ. Among the most serious of these conditions is aortic dissection, a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate recognition and treatment.
To further promote awareness and education, Aortic Dissection Awareness Day is observed worldwide on Sept. 19, highlighting the importance of recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors and supporting individuals and families affected by aortic disease.
What is aortic disease?
The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the aorta becomes weakened, enlarged or damaged, serious conditions can develop, including:
- Aortic aneurysms
- Aortic dissections
- Aortic rupture
Some individuals may have inherited conditions that increase their risk for aortic disease, while others develop disease due to factors such as hypertension, aging or cardiovascular disease. Family history plays an important role because approximately 20% to 25% of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection cases have a genetic component.
Understanding aortic dissection
An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta. Blood enters the tear and separates the layers of the aortic wall, creating a medical emergency that can rapidly result in stroke, organ failure, paralysis or death if treatment is delayed. Untreated acute aortic dissection carries extremely high mortality and requires urgent diagnosis and intervention.
Unfortunately, aortic dissection is frequently misdiagnosed because its symptoms may resemble those of a heart attack, stroke or other medical conditions.
Know the warning signs
Recognizing symptoms quickly can save lives. Symptoms may include:
- Sudden, severe chest pain.
- Sudden back, abdominal or neck pain.
- Pain described as tearing, ripping or sharp.
- Fainting or loss of consciousness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Stroke-like symptoms.
- Weakness, numbness or paralysis.
Symptoms often begin without warning and require immediate emergency evaluation. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 911 right away.
A significant public health milestone for Texas
This year marks a major milestone in statewide advocacy efforts.
A State of Texas Aortic Dissection Awareness Day Proclamation recognizes Sept. 19, 2026, as Aortic Dissection Awareness Day in the state and calls upon Texans to learn the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection, share lifesaving information with their communities, support those affected by aortic disease and participate in awareness and educational initiatives. The proclamation further encourages physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, emergency medical professionals, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and public health leaders to promote awareness and improve early diagnosis and treatment.
The proclamation highlights several important realities:
- Aortic dissection can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds and communities across Texas.
- Early recognition and access to specialized care are critical for survival.
- Education and awareness are among the most powerful tools for preventing avoidable deaths.
- Texas, home to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, is uniquely positioned to lead efforts in cardiovascular education, research and innovation.
Our team has spearheaded the Texas Aortic Dissection Awareness initiative, which aligns with complementary awareness efforts pursued in the City of Houston and Harris County, demonstrating a coordinated commitment to improving public understanding of aortic disease and promoting lifesaving action when symptoms occur.
Why awareness matters
Many people have never heard of aortic dissection until it affects them, a loved one or someone in their community. Awareness can make the difference between life and death.
When patients, families, first responders, emergency clinicians and healthcare providers recognize symptoms quickly, treatment can begin sooner. Earlier diagnosis improves outcomes and helps reduce preventable complications and deaths. Awareness also provides an opportunity to support survivors, honor those lost to aortic disease, and advocate for continued research and education.
How you can participate During Aortic Disease Awareness Month and on Sept. 19:
- Learn the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection.
- Share educational resources with family and friends.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about your personal and family history.
- Encourage family members to seek screening when appropriate.
- Support organizations dedicated to aortic disease awareness, education and research.
- Help raise awareness in your workplace, community and social networks.
Aortic disease often strikes without warning, but knowledge empowers action. This September, take a moment to learn the signs, share the message and help raise awareness about a condition that remains underrecognized yet profoundly life-threatening.
Awareness saves lives. Know the signs. Share the message. Act without delay.
For more information on connective tissue disorders – genetic conditions that contribute to aortic disease – or provider resources, visit Aortic Hope, the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, the Marfan Foundation and Think Aorta US.
By Brittany Rhoades, assistant professor and clinical nurse specialist, and Gilda Martinez, assistant professor and nurse practitioner, in the Department of Surgery – Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
