What is aortic dissection? Symptoms, causes and risk factors of ‘terrifying’ condition that killed Lindsey Graham
Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent supporter of the president Donald Trump The congressman who traveled the world promoting a more assertive U.S. foreign policy died of a torn aorta, according to preliminary medical examiner findings.
A rupture of the lining of the aorta, called aortic dissection, is associated with aortic hardening. Graham’s artery. The official cause of death will be announced following toxicology and microscopic examinations.
Graham, famous Republican south carolina A former Air Force attorney who represented constituents in Congress for more than three decades celebrated his 71st birthday two days before his death Saturday night. Initially, his office reported that he experienced a “brief and sudden illness.”
When does aortic dissection occur? All about causes and symptoms
Aortic dissection occurs when the three layers of the aorta, the main artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart, separate, which can block blood flow to other organs or could cause the aorta to rupture, explained Dr. Jason Lee, chief of vascular surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Lee said the dangerous condition mainly affects men in their 60s and 70s with high blood pressure, especially those in high-stress occupations. He noted that elevated blood pressure due to stress or occasional strenuous exercise may cause the aorta to rupture.
According to Penn Medicine, when an aortic dissection occurs, you may experience symptoms similar to those of a heart attack:
pain: You may feel sudden, severe pain in your chest, back, or abdomen. This pain may radiate into the chest or upper back and is often described as a tearing or tearing sensation. The discomfort can also extend into the legs, making walking difficult.
breathing problems: You may feel short of breath or even faint.
paralysis: You may lose vision, have difficulty speaking, or find it difficult to use one or both sides of your body.
weak pulse: You may observe a weakened pulse due to reduced blood circulation.
Aortic dissection: an overview of U.S. research
About 20,000 people in the United States experience aortic tears each year, according to the Los Angeles-based John Ritter Aortic Health Foundation, which works to raise awareness of the condition.
Aortic dissection is often mistaken for a heart attack and can affect seemingly healthy people, according to the foundation. Symptoms to watch out for include sudden, severe pain (like a tear in the chest or back), difficulty breathing, and fainting episodes.
Doug LaMalfa dies from complications of aortic dissection
United States Representative Doug RamafaThe Republican from Chico’s district died earlier this year of complications from an aortic dissection.
At Stanford, where the important aortic dissection classification system was established decades ago, Lee mentioned that his team encounters patients with the disease at least once a day, including those referred from the West Coast and across the country.
Dr. Jason Lee calls aortic dissection ‘scary’ and offers advice
Lee said half of people diagnosed with aortic dissection die within 48 hours, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Prompt handling of such cases and appropriate treatment is crucial.
“It’s sad and it’s something that happens suddenly,” Lee said, adding, “To me, aortic dissection is scary because it can be so sudden.”
After Graham’s death, Lee urged people to consider their health by discussing potential risk factors for aortic dissection with their health care professionals.
Overall, he suggests it’s beneficial to effectively control blood pressure and promote heart health through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Aortic dissection: What are the risk factors? Everything is subject to diagnosis
The risk factors associated with aortic dissection are very similar to those associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm:
– Family history of aortic aneurysm or dissection
– Genetic disorders that affect connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
– Bicuspid aortic valve disease
– Elevated cholesterol levels, which may lead to plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis)
– Coronary artery disease (heart disease)
– high blood pressure
– Traumatic injuries, such as injuries from a car accident or a fall
Diagnosis of aortic dissection
When doctors suspect aortic dissection, they use advanced cardiovascular imaging methods, including:
– CT scan
– Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
