What is an aortic dissection? Louisville surgeon explains Sen. Lindsey Graham’s likely cause of death

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Health experts are explaining the warning signs of the rare but often deadly condition that likely led to the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Graham, a prominent South Carolina Republican and former Air Force lawyer who served in Congress for more than three decades, had turned 71 years old just two days before dying Saturday night. His office had originally said he had suffered from a "brief and sudden illness."

According to preliminary medical examiner findings released by Graham's office, he died from an aortic dissection, related to artery hardening. This happens when a tear in the inner aorta lets blood rapidly leak between its other layers. According to the American Medical Association, that reduces blood flow to vital organs, and sometimes can lead to a rupture that pours blood into surrounding tissues. It often can be caused by an aortic aneurysm, a weakened spot on the artery that can bulge like a balloon.

Symptoms tend to be sudden, with severe stabbing-like pain, often in the chest or back but sometimes in the neck, jaw or abdomen depending on where in the aorta the tear happened. According to the heart association, people also may suddenly lose consciousness, have clammy or sweaty skin, experience stroke-like symptoms such as sudden weakness on one side of the body, or show signs of shock, including rapid heart rate or confusion.

Dr. Yash Vaidya, a cardiothoracic surgeon with UofL Health, said only 10% of patients who experience what Graham did make it to the hospital for treatment. And for those who do, the mortality rate goes up 1% every hour if it is not fixed.

"This is truly a surgical emergency," Vaidya said. "Even the surgery itself is a very complicated and nuanced kind of surgery. We do a lot of them here ... and catching them early is key."

Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol that in turn stiffens arteries and smoking. It's more common in older people but also can be caused by certain genetic conditions in younger people.

Fast treatment improves the chances of survival. Depending on where the tear occurred and its extent, surgeons may try to repair it or patch the torn section of the aorta.

Funeral plans are still being worked out for the Graham. His sister, Darline Graham Nordone, has been named as her late brother's temporary replacement in the U.S. Senate, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced at a news conference at the Statehouse on Monday.

An official cause of death for Graham will be disclosed after toxicological and microscopic testing.