Aortic tear blamed in Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death is a
fast-killing emergency
[July 14, 2026]
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
The aortic tear that likely caused the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey
Graham is a medical emergency that can rapidly kill.
The aorta is our largest artery, like a highway that arches up from the
heart and then curves back down through the abdomen — carrying
oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body as other arteries branch off
from it.
What doctors call an aortic dissection happens when a tear in its inner
lining lets blood rapidly leak between its other layers, according to
the American Heart 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.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol that in turn
stiffens arteries — called atherosclerosis — and smoking. It's more
common in older people but also can be caused by certain genetic
conditions in younger people.
A preliminary medical examiner's report shared by Graham's office said
the aortic dissection was related to artery hardening.
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.
[to top of second column]
|
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speak with reporters following a vote
on student loans on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 8, 2012. (AP
Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
 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.
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.
—-
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support
from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science
Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely
responsible for all content.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
