In this episode, host Roy Sheppard is joined by patients Monty and Martin, alongside clinical psychologist Dr Mark Griffiths from Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, for an honest conversation about the psychological and emotional toll of aortic dissection.

The discussion explores personal experiences of trauma, delayed emotional reactions, family impacts and the long road to mental and physical recovery. Mark provides clinical insights into coping strategies, diagnosis challenges, and the importance of patient advocacy. The conversation also highlights improvements in care pathways and the ongoing work of the charity to improve outcomes across the UK and Ireland.

This episode is essential listening for anyone affected by aortic dissection patients, families and healthcare professionals.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction to the episode and guests

(00:49) – Psychological impact of aortic dissection on patients

(04:49) – Impact on family members

(06:20) – Male stoicism and emotional suppression

(08:04) – Patient story: Monty on coping with aortic dissection and family impact

(13:05) – Patient story: Martin's psychological experience and impact on family

(19:46) – Psychological recovery and delayed emotional processing

(21:45) – Importance of blood pressure monitoring and recovery lessons

(22:50) – Diagnosis pathways and treatment options for aortic dissection

(24:00) – Specialised surgical care and systemic improvements

(29:00) – Importance of public awareness and patient advocacy

In this episode of our podcast series on aortic dissection, host Roy Sheppard is joined by Edward "Monty" Montgomery and Martin Hilton, both survivors of aortic dissection, alongside Dr Bejal Pandya, consultant congenital cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre.

Together, they explore the journey of recovery after aortic dissection, from hospitalisation and physical rehabilitation to long-term lifestyle adjustments. Bejal provides expert insight into key stages of recovery, medication management, safe exercise practices, and the impact of fitness levels before and after dissection. Monty and Martin share candid personal stories, reflecting on physical and emotional challenges, mindset shifts, and the importance of accepting and adapting to a new reality.

This episode offers valuable guidance for patients, families, and clinicians, highlighting how recovery is possible and meaningful, regardless of age or fitness background.

Chapters:

(00:00) – Introduction

(00:40) – Meet the guests: Monty, Martin & Dr Bejal Pandya

(01:30) – Overview of aortic dissection recovery

(02:50) – Hospitalisation and immediate recovery phase

(05:10) – Recovery differences: Type A vs Type B dissections

(07:30) – Medications and blood pressure management

(10:00) – Exercise after aortic dissection: What’s safe and what to avoid

(13:20) – Monty's story: Gym weights and emergency surgery

(22:10) – Martin’s experience: Ironman, mindset, and rebuilding fitness

(26:20) – Adapting fitness goals post-dissection

(28:40) – Cardiac rehab and overcoming physical setbacks

(31:00) – Advice for sedentary vs highly active patients

(34:00) – Family impact and genetic screening

(36:10) – Muscle atrophy and rebuilding over time

(38:00) – Do’s and Don’ts of recovery

Patients discuss what it's really like to experience an aortic dissection. Hosted by Roy Shepherd, Martin Hilton and Edward “Monty” Montgomery, both survivors of aortic dissection, share their personal journeys, while Professor Mark Field, Head of Aortic Surgery at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, provides expert insight.

The episode covers the anatomy of the aorta, what makes an aortic dissection a medical emergency, and the challenges of diagnosis. It explores risk factors such as high blood pressure, genetic conditions, and extreme exertion, alongside practical advice on recovery, emotional adjustment, and patient advocacy.

This honest and informative conversation is vital viewing for patients, families, clinicians and anyone looking to better understand aortic dissection.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:34) - Explanation of what aortic dissection is: anatomy, layers of the aorta, and basic function

(02:02) - Difference between type A and type B dissections; urgency of type A cases

(03:09) - Complications by location: effects on heart, brain, spinal cord, organs

(05:12) - Why blood pressure is often a key cause

(07:22) - Predisposing factors: hypertension, genetic syndromes (e.g. Marfan, Ehlers–Danlos), lifestyle factors

(09:26) - Monty’s emergency experience: sudden incomprehension, diagnosis, and swift surgery at St Thomas’s Hospital

(11:17) - Martin’s experience: a sedentary run, odd chest sensation, collapse at home, rapid deterioration

(15:11) - Challenges in screening and incidental detection via CT scans

(22:25) - Discussion on improving diagnosis: A&E challenges, importance of awareness, and charity initiatives

(26:00) - The Aortic Dissection Toolkit: systematic approach to diagnosis and care, improving national services

(31:40) - Expert advice by Mark: advocate for yourself/family in healthcare, ask questions, don’t accept assumptions