Senator Lindsey Graham, 71, died from an aortic dissection, according to preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia. His family had announced his death was due to a "brief and sudden illness."
An aortic dissection is a medical emergency that occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the large artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This tear allows blood to surge between the layers of the aortic wall, potentially impeding blood flow to vital organs.
"An aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis, as emergent surgery can be necessary," Dr. Roberto Aru, an assistant professor of vascular surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, told ABC News. "Subsequent decision-making is based on the location of the tear in the aorta and any associated poor blood flow to organs."
The condition can rapidly become fatal if the blood flowing within the dissected layers ruptures through the aorta's outer wall.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an aortic dissection often manifest suddenly and can include intense chest or back pain, frequently described as a ripping or stabbing sensation, similar to that of a heart attack. "Anyone experiencing these symptoms or any symptom resembling a heart attack should seek emergency medical care," Aru advised. "A timely diagnosis and emergency medical care are paramount for survival and improved outcomes, so it can mean the difference between life or death."
Additional symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, fainting, shortness of breath, pain or weakness in the legs, difficulty walking, and stroke-like symptoms such as sudden vision loss or impaired speech.
Types and Treatment
There are two primary types of aortic dissections. Type A dissections involve a tear in the ascending aorta, near the heart, and are generally more common and severe. Type B dissections originate from a tear in the descending thoracic aorta, further down from the heart.
Treatment approaches vary. Emergent surgery may be required depending on the dissection's location and associated complications. For Type B dissections that do not present with immediate complications, management may initially involve medications to control blood pressure and heart rate, with close monitoring and potential for later surgery.
Risk Factors
While considered rare, aortic dissections are more prevalent in men in their 60s and 70s. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and genetic connective tissue disorders. Trauma can also be a cause.
In 2019, approximately 10,000 people died from aortic dissections or aortic aneurysms, which are balloon-like bulges in the aorta, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Preventive measures include managing blood pressure and avoiding smoking.