The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham has drawn attention to a medical condition that many Americans have never heard of: An aortic dissection
According to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner, Graham died from an aortic dissection related to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease—a condition that can become fatal if it isn’t treated immediately
In a recent Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) survey, it was found that nearly one in three Americans (29%) have not heard of any of the most common vascular health conditions
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Though it’s rare, doctors say an aortic dissection is a dangerous cardiovascular emergency
Dr. William Shutze, M.D., FACS, is Vice President ofSociety for Vascular Surgery and a Vascular Surgeon at Texas Vascular Associates.Dr. Manesh R. Patelis volunteer president of theAmerican Heart Associationfor 2026-27. He is Chief of the Division of Cardiology and Vice President of Heart and Vascular Services for Duke Health
What happens during an aortic dissection?
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening vascular emergency that occurs when the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s largest artery, develops a tear within its’ wall, explains Dr. William Shutze, M.D., FACS, SVS Vice President and Vascular Surgeon at Texas Vascular Associates
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“This can cut off circulation to your heart and vital organs or lead to a rupture with massive internal bleeding,” Shutze says. “Without immediate treatment, an aortic dissection can quickly become fatal.”
The aorta is the body’s largest artery, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the wall of the aorta becomes weakened, according to the American Heart Association, it can either bulge outward, known as an aneurysm, or develop a tear, known as a dissection. Both conditions are considered serious forms of aortic disease
As many as 40% of people with an aortic dissection die almost instantly, according to the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Aortic Diseases (UCCAD), and the risk of death increases by up to 4% every hour the condition is left untreated
How common are aortic dissections?
Because some people die before reaching the hospital, it’s difficult to know exactly how many aortic dissections occur each year, Shutze says. However, available data suggests about 13,000 Americans die annually from the condition
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“While aortic dissection is uncommon, when it occurs, it is a life-threatening medical emergency,” Shutze says
Aortic dissection is more common in men than women, with an estimated incidence of 5 to 30 cases per million people, according to American Heart Association volunteer president Manesh R. Patel, M.D., FAHA. Patel says the condition most often occurs in adults between the ages of 50 and 70. Graham was 71 at the time of his passing
Symptoms of an aortic dissection to watch for
One reason aortic dissections are so dangerous is that they can resemble other medical emergencies
The most common symptom is sudden severe chest or back pain, Shutze says. Other possible symptoms include abdominal pain, fainting, collapse, leg weakness or paraplegia
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“The most important thing to be aware of about this condition is recognizing the symptoms, especially those with a family history of aortic dissection, high blood pressure and smoking,” he says. “Seeking immediate care is crucial for aortic dissection. If you or a loved one has risk factors associated with aortic dissection, it’s important to ask your doctor if a consultation with a vascular surgeon is a good idea before catastrophe strikes.”
Risk factors that increase the chances of an aortic dissection
Patel says several underlying health conditions and inherited disorders can increase the risk of an aortic dissection
“Risk factors for this life-threatening condition include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure,” Patel says. “There are some genetic disorders of connective tissue that lead to aneurysms and aortic disease in younger adults.”
He adds that people with high blood pressure, a history of tobacco use or a family history of aortic aneurysms or dissections should talk with their physician about their risk and whether screening is appropriate
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Here’s an American Heart Association story from an aortic dissection survivor:
Can you prevent an aortic dissection?
Not every aortic dissection can be prevented, particularly when inherited connective tissue disorders are involved. But doctors say keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy can lower your risk
According to the Mayo Clinic, that includes controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar with the help of your healthcare provider, avoiding tobacco, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and getting regular physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting adequate sleep can also support overall cardiovascular health
Because serious chest injuries can damage the aorta, wearing a seat belt every time you ride in a car is another simple step that may help reduce the risk
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