An aortic dissection happens when tears appear in the inner lining of the aorta, which is the main artery leaving the heart. Blood surges into the tears, causing the aorta lining to split, or dissect.

Nurses working in accident and emergency have been urged to try and recognise earlier the “ticking time bomb” of aortic dissection, in order to prevent deaths. Up to half of all patients who suffer an ...