Mark's aortic dissection patient story
West Yorkshire based Mark felt a 'sudden tearing pain' while climbing a ladder. His story encompasses an all-too-common misdiagnosis, GP referral and finally a CT Scan which set him on the correct path. Mark wants to tell his story to highlight the huge importance of the THINK AORTA campaign.
Mark Wilkinson is a solar panel installer and lives with his wife and two children in West Yorkshire. Back in August 2025, a normal day at work changed in an instant. While climbing a latter, Mark suffered a tearing pain in his chest.
After 2 days my symptoms worsened, I had intense back and chest pain and attended my local Accident and Emergency. Sadly I was misdiagnosed with a heart attack and referred to my GP.
Mark continued to feel very unwell so returned to Accident and Emergency. It was here the doctors finally ordered a CT scan afterwhich Mark was diagnised with a 'complicated type B aortic dissection'.
Mark was placed into 'resus' before being transported to Leeds General Infirmary Intensive Care Unit where staff began the task of stabilising his blood pressure. Sadly mark suffered an acute kindley injury and limb malperfusion due to lack of blood flow.
It was an extremely upsetting and scary time for me, my wife, children and family.
Mark eventually had a successul Thoracic Endovascualr Aortic Repair (TEVAR) to repair the dissection and was able to begin recovery surrounded by his family.
When Mark learned about the THINK AORTA campaign he immediately recognised the significance,
"I want to share my story with others to highlight the importance of THINK AORTA as initially I was misdiagnosed, and would not be here today if I did not return to A&E."
"I also want to thank all the staff at LGI especially ward L06 and my family and friends for supporting me on this difficult journey. "
Mark has returned to work, but is restricting himself to 'light duties' and hasn't yet taken a trip up a ladder.
"Life after dissection I’ve stopped smoking and been more conscious of my health and have to rest a lot more."
Mark's wife, Katie, is a member of the Aortic Dissection Buddy group on Facebook.
