From heart to toe – your aorta explained | Emma Hope, Aortic Nurse

What is the aorta, what does it do and what can go wrong with it? Aortic Nurse Emma Hope provides an accessible introduction to the largest blood vessel in the body. Using the aorta as the “M1 of our vascular system”, Emma explains its anatomy and function before looking at conditions including aneurysm, aortic dissection, intramural haematoma and penetrating aortic ulcer. Emma also explains the differences between Type A, Type B and non-A non-B Aortic Dissection. Recorded at the Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland Annual Patient Event 2026 in Birmingham on 18 September 2026. Find more talks, patient stories and information at aorticdissectionawareness.org