The sudden death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has brought attention to aortic dissection, a medical emergency that can be rapidly fatal if not treated promptly. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the body's largest artery, allows blood to surge through, causing the layers of the aortic wall to separate. According to the American Heart Association, this condition is a life-threatening disorder with an estimated incidence of 5 to 30 people per million, more common in men and typically occurring between ages 50-70.
Risk factors include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, genetic connective tissue disorders, tobacco use, and family history of aortic aneurysms or dissections. Symptoms can mimic other cardiovascular emergencies, such as sudden severe chest pain, back pain, neck or jaw pain, feeling faint, weak, or short of breath. Prompt diagnosis is essential, as a ruptured aneurysm or severe dissection can be immediately fatal. However, with rapid recognition and treatment, outcomes can improve.
The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of family screening, including genetic testing and imaging, for first-degree relatives of patients with certain aortic aneurysms or dissections. The 2022 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease highlights rapid recognition and treatment of acute aortic syndromes, consistent imaging, and surveillance practices. People with risk factors should discuss aortic aneurysm risk and screening with their physicians.
For more information, visit the American Heart Association's heart.org or view the original release on NewMediaWire.
