Aortic Dissection Awareness Day – Sep. 19, 2026

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day
Categories:
Tags:
Awareness
Where:
International
Date change rule:
Every September 19
Holiday emoji:
❤️

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day is observed every September 19, shining a light on this critical and often misunderstood cardiovascular emergency. This day aims to educate the public about the symptoms and risks of aortic dissection, a condition where the aorta’s inner layer tears. Join global efforts to promote early diagnosis and save lives by sharing information and supporting advocacy organizations.

Want to sponsor Aortic Dissection Awareness Day? Learn how

Expected Aortic Dissection Awareness Day Deals

As a vital cause-driven observance, Aortic Dissection Awareness Day focuses on fundraising and educational campaigns rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust (UK), and the Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland typically lead efforts. These groups often partner with medical institutions and corporate sponsors to host virtual events, patient forums, and donation drives. Look for opportunities to contribute through direct donations, participating in awareness walks, or purchasing branded merchandise where proceeds benefit research. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and ways to get involved as September 19 approaches.

Platform Guide for Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #AorticDissectionAwareness. Share vital statistics, symptom checklists, and survivor stories to amplify the message.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AorticDissectionAwareness. Create an event for a local awareness walk or host a live Q&A with a medical professional.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AorticDissectionAwareness. Use infographics to explain symptoms, share patient journeys, or post photos from local awareness events.

Social Media Tips for Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

Individuals

Educate yourself and your loved ones on the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection. Share reliable information from reputable health organizations on your social media to help spread critical awareness.

Creators

Produce short, impactful videos or visual explainers detailing the risks and symptoms of aortic dissection. Interview medical experts or share personal stories (with consent) to bring a human element to the cause.

Brands

Partner with a leading aortic health foundation to co-host an awareness campaign. Offer a donation match program for sales made on September 19 or sponsor educational materials for distribution.

Organizations & Brands for Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

  1. John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health

    Established in 2003 by Amy Yasbeck in memory of her husband, actor John Ritter, who died from an aortic dissection. The foundation is dedicated to preventing untimely deaths from aortic dissection by supporting research, education, and awareness.

  2. The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust (UK)

    Founded in the UK, this charity provides support to patients and families affected by aortic dissection, raises public awareness, and funds research into the condition. They work closely with medical professionals to improve outcomes.

  3. Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland

    This organization aims to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and care of aortic dissection patients across the UK and Ireland. They offer patient resources, advocate for better medical practices, and promote public education.

  4. American Heart Association

    Founded in 1924, the AHA is a leading force in cardiovascular health. While not exclusively focused on aortic dissection, their extensive research and public health campaigns include information and resources on aortic health and related conditions.

  5. Medtronic

    A global leader in medical technology, founded in 1949. Medtronic develops various cardiovascular devices, including those used in the treatment and management of aortic conditions, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

  6. W. L. Gore & Associates

    Known for its innovative material science, Gore has developed advanced medical devices, including stent grafts used in the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms and dissections, offering less invasive treatment options.

  7. Mayo Clinic

    A world-renowned nonprofit academic medical center, founded in 1889. Mayo Clinic conducts extensive research and provides comprehensive care for complex cardiovascular conditions, including aortic dissection, serving as a vital resource for patients and medical professionals.

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day Hero

John Ritter

John Ritter (1948-2003) was a beloved American actor, best known for his role in 'Three's Company.' His sudden death from an undiagnosed aortic dissection at age 54 brought national attention to the condition. His widow, Amy Yasbeck, subsequently founded the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, transforming a personal tragedy into a powerful advocacy movement for awareness and research.

History of Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

Aortic dissection is a condition in which the inner layer of the body’s main artery (aorta) tears. Blood flowing through the aorta rushes out through the tear, which causes the inner and middle layers of the artery to split. If the individual’s blood flows through the outermost layer of the aorta, the dissection is usually deadly. The condition is generally uncommon. It tends to occur in men in their ’60s and ’70s.

The symptoms of aortic dissection are similar to the symptoms of several other heart conditions, often leading to a delay in the diagnosis of the problem. When the aortic dissection is spotted and subsequently treated in time, the patient’s chance of survival increases manyfold. The symptoms of aortic dissection include sudden and severe pain in the chest or upper back, sudden and severe stomach pain, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, leg pain, weak pulse in one arm or thigh, and trouble walking. The condition is caused by a weakened aortic wall.

They are split into two groups, depending on which area is affected. Type A aortic dissection is more common and dangerous than type B, as it involves a tear in the part of the aorta that exits the heart; herein, the tear may occur in the upper aorta — this can extend to the abdomen. Type B involves a tear in the lower aorta only — this may also extend to the abdomen.

The earliest full documentation of aortic dissection is attributed to Frank Nicholls, who drafted an autopsy report of King George II of Great Britain in 1760. The term ‘aortic dissection’ was first used in 1802 by French physician J.P. Manoir. Surgery for aortic dissection was first developed by DeBakey, Cooley, and Creech in 1954. DeBakey developed the condition himself in 2005 and underwent surgery in 2006.

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day timeline

1760
The First Description

Aortic dissection is first described in an autopsy.

1802
The Term is Coined

The term ‘aortic dissection’ is coined.

1954
Surgery As Treatment

Surgery is developed as a treatment for aortic dissection.

1990s
Endovascular Treatment

Endovascular treatment is developed for aortic dissection.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

Local businesses can play a crucial role in Aortic Dissection Awareness Day by hosting educational events or supporting related charities. Consider partnering with a local hospital or heart health organization to offer free blood pressure screenings or informational pamphlets about aortic dissection symptoms. Retailers might run a ’round-up at the register’ campaign, donating proceeds to an aortic health foundation. Restaurants could offer a special ‘Heart Healthy’ menu item, with a portion of sales benefiting research. Promoting awareness through simple signage or social media posts can also significantly impact public knowledge.

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day FAQs

When is Aortic Dissection Awareness Day?

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 19. This annual observance is a crucial reminder to learn the signs of this life-threatening condition.

How common is aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection is relatively rare but highly lethal if not diagnosed quickly. Estimates suggest it affects approximately 2 to 3 people per 100,000 annually, making rapid recognition of symptoms vital for survival.

What are the key symptoms of aortic dissection?

The most common symptom is a sudden, severe tearing or ripping pain in the chest or back. Other signs can include shortness of breath, sudden difficulty speaking, vision loss, or weakness on one side of the body. Immediate medical attention is crucial.

Who is at risk for aortic dissection?

Risk factors include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), pre-existing aortic aneurysm, certain genetic conditions like Marfan syndrome, and bicuspid aortic valve. Men are more commonly affected than women, particularly those aged 60-80.

How to Observe Aortic Dissection Awareness Day

  1. Learn about the condition

    Learn about aortic dissection. It will equip you to help others that may have the condition.

  2. Share what you’ve learned

    Tell your family about what you’ve learned. Sharing information will allow more people to be educated about aortic dissection.

  3. Talk about it on social media

    Help the cause by talking about aortic dissection on social media. You can share an interesting article on the topic or any latest research that you came across.

5 Interesting Facts About The Heart

  1. As big as a fist

    The average heart is as big as an adult’s fist.

  2. The heart beats 115,000 times a day

    The heart beats approximately 115,000 times per day.

  3. It pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood

    The heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood daily.

  4. The first implantable pacemaker

    The first implantable pacemaker was invented in 1958.

  5. The largest heart among mammals

    Whales have the largest hearts of any mammals.

Why Aortic Dissection Awareness Day is Important

  1. It raises awareness about an important issue

    Aortic Dissection Awareness Day educates people about a very important health condition. It is good to be informed in the event so you offer support to someone who may be suffering from it.

  2. It encourages conversation

    Aortic Dissection Awareness Day encourages conversation about a little-known disease. The more conversations we have, the more people will learn about it.

  3. It promotes proactive healthcare

    A greater degree of awareness promotes a more proactive approach to healthcare. This will benefit us all in living longer, healthier lives.

Aortic Dissection Awareness Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 19 Saturday
2027 September 19 Sunday
2028 September 19 Tuesday
2029 September 19 Wednesday
2030 September 19 Thursday