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Aortic tear blamed in Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death is a fast-killing emergency
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden death was likely caused by an aortic dissection, a life-threatening tear in the inner lining of the aorta, the body's largest artery.
- An aortic dissection allows blood to leak between the artery's layers, reducing blood flow to vital organs and potentially causing a fatal rupture.
- Risk factors include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, smoking, older age, and certain genetic conditions; Graham's dissection was linked to artery hardening.
- Symptoms typically involve sudden, severe stabbing pain in the chest, back, or other areas, along with possible loss of consciousness, stroke-like signs, and shock.
- Rapid medical intervention is critical, with surgery aimed at repairing or patching the torn section to improve survival chances.
