Preliminary findings from the District of Columbia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner have identified the cause of Sen. Lindsey Graham's death as an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Graham, 71, was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead Saturday night.
An aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the body's largest artery. Blood rushes through the tear, causing the layers of the aortic wall to separate, which can disrupt blood flow to vital organs or lead to a fatal rupture.
"It can come on in minutes or days and may be hard to recognize," said Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst.
In Graham's case, arteriosclerotal cardiovascular disease was cited. This condition, often linked to plaque buildup in arteries, can weaken the aortic wall over time. High-risk groups include those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, older adults, men, and people with atherosclerosis.
Symptoms can mimic a heart attack or stroke and require an immediate call to 911. Warning signs include sudden, severe chest or upper back pain, often described as tearing or ripping, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, and stroke-like symptoms.
"Aortic dissection is one of the diseases that emergency physicians think of often when someone presents with chest pain - specifically pain described as a tearing sensation," said Dr. Kenneth Perry, an emergency physician.
Diagnosis uses imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI. Treatment depends on the type and location of the dissection. Type A dissections, involving the ascending aorta, typically require emergency surgery. Type B dissections may be managed with medication.
Without treatment, the mortality rate is extremely high. The risk of death increases by 1% to 2% for every hour treatment is delayed for untreated ascending aortic dissections.
Prevention focuses on managing risk factors. "You need to make sure your blood pressure is well-controlled, your cholesterol is low and that you are seen regularly by a doctor," advised Dr. Siegel. People with a family history of aortic disease should discuss screening with their healthcare provider.