Prof Mark Redmond hosts hugely successful 4th Aortic Dissection Awareness Day Ireland
Preparations for Aortic Dissection Awareness Day Ireland 2025 kicked off back in March 2024, with just two things on the list: a date and a venue. That was it! From there, the magic started to happen.
We were thrilled when Professor Mark Redmond, well known to many of our Irish AD buddies, graciously agreed to host our 4th Annual Awareness Day Ireland.
Soon, plans were flying, ideas were bouncing, and our discussion points went through more edits than we can count, all to make sure each presentation flowed seamlessly into the next. And what a day it turned out to be?
Like last year we had over 90 attendees.
We enjoyed wonderful speakers Ms. Josephine Ryan (CEO), Ms. Anne Cotton (Chair), Dr. Sofia Nunes Perez (Geneticist), Mr. Saleem Jahangeer (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), Dr. Leo Lawler (Consultant Radiologist), Professor Ciaran Mc Donnell (Vascular Surgeon), Professor Ronan Margey (Consultant Cardiologist), Dr. Gillian Judge (Consultant Emergency Medicine), Mr. Adrian Schneider (Advanced Paramedic), Mr. Ciaran Fitzgerald (Educational & Innovation Lead M3 Medical), Professor Lars Nolke (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), Dr. Adam Daly (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), Ms. Anne Gallagher (Cardiac Rehab), Dr. Sinead Mulhern (Clinical Psychologist) who gave a wonderful presentation on aspects of PTSD post dissection.
One of the most touching moments came from our buddy Ms. Rachel Martin, who spoke candidly and with wonderful humour about living with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a condition that predisposes her to aortic dissection. In January 2024, Rachel experienced a Type B dissection affecting her entire descending aorta and is now awaiting surgery. Her bravery and optimism left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
We also listened to some beautiful music, ate delicious food, and most importantly, mingled with a truly inspiring crowd. From those who have lived through Aortic Dissection, to families, carers, students, and clinicians, everyone came together with open hearts and curious minds.
We were delighted to welcome The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, who joined us and delivered a fantastic speech, pledging his support to help raise awareness far and wide. Watch this space as we plan another amazing event for 2026.
There were a few tears, plenty of laughter, some amazing stories shared, and a strong sense of connection and support that filled the room. By the end of the day, ideas for collaborations were already bubbling up, with everyone eager to keep learning and sharing.
Our hope for the day was simple, that by coming together, we might save even one life through greater awareness and understanding. And as we wrapped up, our theme echoed loud and clear:
The 3 D’s - Don’t Delay Diagnosis!
Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening cardiovascular emergency, affecting an estimated 3.5–6 people per 100,000 annually in Ireland. It occurs more often in men and becomes increasingly likely with age, peaking between 48 and 67 years. Across the UK and Ireland, approximately 2,000 people die each year from the condition, with up to 50% of untreated Type A dissections proving fatal within 48 hours.
Despite its seriousness, outcomes are improving. Irish hospitals such as University Hospitals within the National Cardiothoracic Network now provide specialist surgical and endovascular treatments, significantly improving survival rates. Advances in CT and MRI imaging have enabled faster diagnosis, while better blood pressure control, genetic screening, and public initiatives such as Aortic Dissection Awareness Day Ireland are helping to raise awareness, encourage earlier detection, and ultimately save lives.
These improvements reflect growing collaboration across Ireland’s healthcare community and an increasing focus on early recognition of aortic dissection a condition where rapid diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
