Senator's Death Highlights a Rare, Deadly Heart Condition

Sen. Lindsey Graham died from an aortic dissection. Here's what it is and how to know if you're at risk.

The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham has drawn attention to a rare but deadly heart condition called an aortic dissection. It's a topic that matters to everyone, because it often strikes with almost no warning.

What is an aortic dissection? The aorta is the body's largest blood vessel, carrying blood away from the heart. A dissection happens when a tear forms in the aorta's inner lining. An even more serious event, called a rupture, is when the tear breaks through all three layers of the vessel wall — often fatal.

Here are the key facts:

About 13,000 people in the U.S. die from aortic dissections every year.
Roughly 10% of patients die within an hour, and some doctors estimate up to 40% die at home before reaching help.
Around 20% of cases are linked to genetics (traits passed down through families).

The main warning sign is sudden, severe chest pain — often described as a ripping or tearing feeling, especially in the back. Less common symptoms include a cold, numb leg or a cough.

Doctors say the condition usually can't be predicted before it happens, but you *can* identify who is most at risk. You're at higher risk if you:

Have a family history of aortic dissections or aneurysms (weak, bulging spots in an artery wall).
Have certain rare genetic disorders like Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, or Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, which affect the body's connective tissue.
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or use cocaine.

Experts strongly recommend that people with a family history get an echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of the heart) to check whether the aorta is enlarged. If it's dilated too much, patients may have elective surgery to repair it before a tear can occur.

The bottom line: Know your family's medical history, and never ignore sudden, severe chest pain. As one surgeon put it: "You shouldn't wait" — call 911 or go straight to the hospital.

This is an AI-generated summary. Read the original article at: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/lindsey-graham-died-from-a-rare-heart-condition-heres-how-to-know-if-youre-at-risk-8ca5a618?mod=mw_rss_topstories