Preliminary medical examinations indicate that the sudden death of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham on Saturday was the result of an aortic dissection.
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A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s main artery that carries blood away from the heart, aortic dissection can rapidly become fatal. The University of Chicago Medicine Center estimates that risk of death increases by 4% every hour the condition goes untreated.
Here’s what to know about diagnosing and treating aortic dissection:
What Is Aortic Dissection?
The condition occurs when a tear causes blood to rush between layers of the vessel wall, forcing a separation known as dissection.
Medical professionals divide aortic dissection into two categories. Type A requires immediate treatment and can take place in the upper aorta, closest to the heart. Type B begins in the lower aorta and is less immediately fatal, although rapid blood loss can still cause death.
Who Is At Risk for Aortic Dissection?
Although the condition is highly uncommon, it is most often seen in men in their 60s and 70s. The risk of a dissection can be heightened by chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, a buildup of fat or cholesterol in the artery walls and aortic aneurysms, which are weak bulges in the aorta. Connective tissue diseases, polycystic kidney disease and traumatic chest injuries can all also increase risk.
Pregnancy can also cause aortic dissection in otherwise healthy women, though it is extremely rare. Activities that cause large blood pressure spikes can also create conditions for a tear, like drug use and strenuous weightlifting.
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What Are the Symptoms of Aortic Dissection?
One of the biggest challenges in treating aortic dissection is that no single warning sign or symptom can indicate its presence. Dissection can sometimes cause a unique “ripping” or “tearing” sensation in the chest or back, but many of the condition’s most common symptoms are identical to those of a stroke or heart attack.
Symptoms can include sudden, severe chest or upper back pain that radiates to the neck or lower back, stomach pain, shortness of breath, vision problems, trouble speaking or loss of movement. Regardless, experts say anyone experiencing these conditions should call 911 immediately.
How Is Aortic Dissection Treated?
Treatment of an aortic dissection depends on the type of tear. Type A dissections always require emergency open-heart surgery to seal the separation. Type B dissections can often be managed with beta blocker medication or lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure, although surgery is sometimes required to reinforce the blood vessel.
How Can Aortic Dissection Be Prevented?
Managing heart health is the most critical factor in preventing an aortic dissection, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with high blood pressure or cholesterol should work with healthcare professionals to maintain healthy levels. Staying active, eating a heart-healthy diet and avoiding smoking are all ways to lower the risks of high blood pressure and damage to the aortic walls, which can lead to aortic tears.
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