Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden death has thrown new attention on a rare but often deadly cardiovascular emergency known as aortic dissection.
The cause of death was identified as an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a statement released by Graham's office on Sunday, citing preliminary findings from the District of Columbia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
"It occurs when the layers of the aorta (the body's largest artery) come apart and the inner one tears," Fox News senior medical **** yst Dr. Marc Siegel, who did not treat Graham, told Fox News Digital.
Heart Condition Tied To Lindsey Graham's Death Can Strike Without Warning — What To Know
"It can come on in minutes or days and may be hard to recognize," added the doctor, noting that while dissections can evolve over time, symptoms often appear suddenly.