aortic dissection is what Graham was supposed to have died from

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An aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency where a tear occurs in the inner wall of the aorta, causing its layers to separate as blood is forced between them. If the outer wall ruptures, it is often fatal. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences sudden, severe tearing or ripping pain in the chest, back, or abdomen. 

Symptoms

The defining symptom is a sudden, agonizing pain that feels like a tearing or ripping sensation

. It most commonly starts in the chest or upper back and can radiate to the neck, jaw, or down into the abdomen. Other critical symptoms include: 

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fainting, dizziness, or confusion
• Sudden stroke-like symptoms (e.g., vision loss, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of the body)
• Weak or absent pulses in one arm/leg compared to the other, or unequal blood pressure readings between the arms 

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause is chronic, unmanaged high blood pressure, which places excessive stress on the aorta's walls. Other major risk factors include: 

• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup and hardening of the arteries.
• Aortic Aneurysms: Pre-existing bulges in the aorta.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• Heart Defects: Having a bicuspid aortic valve.
• Trauma: Severe chest injuries, such as those sustained in a car accident.
• Straining: Sudden, extreme spikes in blood pressure from heavy weightlifting or illicit drug use like cocaine. 

Types of Aortic Dissection

Dissections are classified based on their location: 

• Type A: Occurs in the ascending aorta (the part exiting the heart). These are more dangerous and typically require immediate open-heart surgery to repair. 
• Type B: Occurs only in the descending aorta (the lower part of the aorta). These are often treated with medications to strictly lower blood pressure and heart rate, though surgery or stenting may be required if complications arise. 

For more detailed information on emergency centers, diagnostic imaging (like CT scans and MRIs), and long-term heart health, visit the Mayo Clinic Aortic Dissection Guide or the Cleveland Clinic Aortic Dissection Overview. 

• Aortic dissection - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

  Symptoms of aortic dissection may include: * Sudden severe chest or upper back pain that spreads to the neck or back. The pain may...

  

  

  Mayo Clinic
• Aortic Dissection: Symptoms & Treatment

  Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate care. Symptoms include: * Sudden severe, sharp pain in y...

  

  

  Cleveland Clinic
• Aortic dissection: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

  Aortic dissection can occur in the chest (thoracic) part of the artery or in the abdominal aorta. It most often happens because of...

  

  

  MedlinePlus (.gov)

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