Aortic tear blamed in Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death is a fast-killing emergency

An aortic dissection — a tear in the body's main artery — is believed to have caused Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden death and can kill quickly without prompt treatment.
Major risk factors are high blood pressure, artery hardening (atherosclerosis), smoking and older age, though some genetic conditions affect younger people.
Warning signs are sudden, severe chest or back pain, fainting or stroke-like symptoms; emergency surgery or repair can save lives if done fast.