Lindsey Graham's death was sudden. That's not uncommon with aortic dissection

South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11 of an aortic dissection, according to a preliminary medical examiner's report.

Aortic dissection symptoms can come on rapidly and without warning. In a statement, Graham's office said his death followed a "brief and sudden illness."

An aortic dissection happens when the inner lining of the body's main artery tears and blood leaks out, according to the Mayo Clinic. These occurrences can be life-threatening, the Cleveland Clinic adds, noting 40% of people with a sudden onset aortic dissection "die immediately from complete rupture and bleeding out from their aorta."

When not fatal, aortic dissections can also cause other complications including strokes, organ damage and poor blood flow, the Mayo Clinic adds.

Here's what else to know about the diagnosis.

Aortic dissection symptoms

Aortic dissection may feel like a heart attack or another heart condition, according to the Mayo Clinic, with symptoms that can include:

• Sudden and severe chest or upper back pain that spreads to the neck or back
• Sudden severe stomach pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Shortness of breath
• Stroke-like symptoms, including vision problems, trouble speaking and weakness or loss of movement on one side of the body.
• Leg pain and trouble walking

If you have symptoms of aortic dissection, severe chest pain or symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or seek emergency care, the Cleveland Clinic advises.

What causes aortic dissection?

Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.

Aortic dissection happens because of a breakdown of the cells in your aorta walls, the Cleveland Clinic explains.

"The breakdown has likely been going on silently for many years before the weakened area of the aortic wall finally gives way," the clinic adds, noting weakness in the aortic wall might be inherited or caused by risk factors like constant high blood pressure.

Other risk factors include atherosclerosis, a plaque buildup in your arteries, or high cholesterol, tobacco or drug use as well as certain disorders and conditions. Being male and over 60 also puts you at higher risk, as the aortic wall loses elasticity with age.

Graham, whose office said his dissection was due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, was 71.

How do you fix a dissection of the aorta?

Depending on the location of the tear, there are treatment options for aortic dissection − mostly emergency surgeries.

In certain cases, medications to lower heart rate and blood pressure may be used to treat a dissection at first, the Cleveland Clinic adds.

Since symptoms of aortic dissection may seem like other health conditions, there are often delays in diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic adds, but notes "early diagnosis and fast treatment of aortic dissection greatly improve the chance of survival."

This story was updated to add diagram of aortic dissection.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lindsey Graham's death was sudden. That's not uncommon with aortic dissection

Reporting by Sara Moniuszko and Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:06 AM.