The sudden death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has brought attention to aortic dissection, a life-threatening medical emergency. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the body's largest artery, allowing blood to surge through the tear and separate the layers of the aortic wall. According to the American Heart Association, this condition can be rapidly fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic disease can arise when the aortic wall weakens, leading to a bulge (aneurysm) or a tear (dissection). The tear creates a flap that can cause complications such as heart attack, bleeding, or rupture. Symptoms often include sudden, severe chest or back pain, neck or jaw pain, and feeling faint, weak, or short of breath. These symptoms can mimic other cardiovascular emergencies, making rapid diagnosis essential.
Dr. Manesh Patel, president of the American Heart Association, notes that aortic dissection is more common in men, with an estimated incidence of 5 to 30 per million people, typically occurring between ages 50 and 70. Risk factors include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, genetic connective tissue disorders, tobacco use, and family history of aortic aneurysms or dissections. He advises individuals with these risk factors to discuss screening with their physicians.
The 2022 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease emphasizes rapid recognition and treatment of acute aortic syndromes, family screening including genetic testing and imaging for first-degree relatives, and consistent imaging surveillance. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving, though a ruptured aneurysm or severe dissection can be immediately fatal.
The American Heart Association notes that it receives funding from various sources, including individuals, foundations, and corporations, with strict policies to prevent influence on its science. For more information, visit heart.org.
