Sen. Lindsey Graham's death tied to rare, but severe, medical occurrence, cardiologists say

Initial reports from the medical examiner in Washington D.C. are attributing Senator Lindsey Graham's death to a rare medical event called aortic dissection, prompted by a history of cardiovascular disease.

Graham passed away on Saturday, July 11, at the age of 71.

First responders rushed to the late senator's home near the U.S. Capitol just after 8 p.m., noting concerns of "chest pain," "cardiac arrest" and issuing CPR.

Graham was taken to George Washington Hospital, where his death was confirmed a few hours later.

His team released the following statements:

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”

"The death certificate will be PENDING until all the toxicological and microscopic testing are finalized and at that point the death certificate will be updated to reflect the cause of death and appropriately classify the manner of death."

The preliminary cause of death is aortic dissection. This is a rare tear to the arteries causing quick, immense damage to vital organs or a rupture to the aorta as blood vessels flood through the tear, reducing or blocking blood flow.

Mayo Clinic said it targets men in their 60s and 70s.

"It can affect the heart itself, it can affect the brain, and it can affect the gut, it can affect the kidneys, everything, depending on the extent of that tear compromising blood flow to different areas of the body," Dr. Chetan Patel, Prisma Health's Section Chief of Interventional Cardiology, said.

The defining symptom is sudden onset. Typically, there are little to no warning signs and can happen whether a person is resting or active.

Graham had just returned from a diplomatic trip to Ukraine and celebrated his 71st birthday days before his death. According to President Trump, he spoke to Graham hours before and he appeared to be in good health.

Other symptoms include sudden and severe pain to the chest, stomach, back or legs, fainting or losing consciousness, shortness of breath, stroke-like symptoms or difficulty walking.

"It's kind of a tearing or ripping sensation or sharp, even knife-like pain that can even go through from the chest into the back. 45 cases for every 100,000 people. It's rare, but it's certainly a medical emergency when it happens," Dr. Patel said.

According to the National Institute of Health, chest compressions can cause further damage to someone experiencing aortic dissection but is necessary if a person loses their pulse.

"It's hard for that to be diagnosed acutely in the field. You are kind of responding to what their symptoms are, what their blood pressure is doing, what their heart rate is doing. You goal is lifesaving," Dr. Patel said.

The report shows Graham had a history of arteriosclerosis, a type of cardiovascular disease, also known as the hardening of the arteries.

According to Mayo Clinic, this can develop as early as childhood and slowly gets worse over time. Potential irritants can include high stress, trauma or familial history with heart or cardiovascular problems.

Graham's father, F.J. Graham, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 69. While the two conditions are different, they can carry similar risks and symptoms.

Dr. Patel said early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from getting worse. Treatment could prevent medical emergencies. The cardiologist said therapy and medication can be used once diagnosis is set.

Preventative measures can include monitoring diet, exercise and other traits to promote a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle.