safety
What is an aortic dissection? The heart condition linked to Lindsey Graham's sudden death
By Lauran Neergaard | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
The aortic tear that likely caused the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham is a medical emergency that can rapidly kill.
The aorta is our largest artery, like a highway that arches up from the heart and then curves back down through the abdomen — carrying oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the b...
Key takeaway Lindsey Graham is a medical emergency that can rapidly kill.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
San Francisco residents with a family history of heart conditions or those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol should take note of the risks associated with aortic dissection. The condition, which can be caused by artery hardening, is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Locals can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and by managing chronic conditions through regular check-ups with their healthcare provider. The city's healthcare system, which includes several top-ranked hospitals, is equipped to handle emergency situations like aortic dissections, but prevention and early detection are key to improving survival chances. By being aware of the symptoms, such as severe stabbing-like pain in the chest or back, and seeking medical help promptly, San Francisco residents can take proactive steps to protect their heart health.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The San Francisco stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The aortic tear that likely caused the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham is a medical emergency that can rapidly kill.
The aorta is our largest artery, like a highway that arches up from the heart and then curves back down through the abdomen — carrying oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the b...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauran Neergaard | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter