A Houston doctor joined FOX 26's Caroline Collins to discuss the preliminary finding in the cause of death of Senator Lindsey Graham. (video)

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening vascular emergency that occurs when the inner layer of the aorta, the body's largest artery, develops a tear within its' wall, explains Dr. William Shutze, M.D

According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, an aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the body's main artery, the aorta. Blood can then

The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham has brought new attention to aortic dissection, a rare but often life-threatening medical emergency. To help us better understand what an aortic dissection is

Subscription required

An aortic dissection is what happens when the inner lining of the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body, tears, forcing blood into the rest of the artery. If

Aortic dissection happens when the three-layer lining of the aorta — the main artery that carries blood from the heart — separates, compromising blood flow to other organs or causing the aorta to

“An aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis, as emergent surgery can be necessary. Subsequent decision-making is based on the location of the tear in the aorta