The Silent Aortic Aneurysm: Why Are So Many Missed Until It's Too Late?

Podcasts > The Heart of Innovation

SUBSCRIBE: Spotify RssFeed IHeart Amazon Music

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Could a "pulled muscle"... constipation... loss of appetite... or back pain actually be the warning signs of an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection?

The sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham has sparked an urgent national conversation about one of medicine's deadliest and most overlooked conditions.

In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, I am joined by my co-host, Dr. John Phillips, and renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Sungho Lim from Rush University Medical Center to answer the questions millions of Americans are now asking:

• What exactly is an aortic aneurysm?

• What is the difference between an aneurysm and an aortic dissection?

• Why are so many people diagnosed only after a catastrophic emergency?

• What symptoms should never be ignored?

• Can back pain, abdominal pain, or chest pain be warning signs?

• Should people with high blood pressure be screened?

• Does family history matter?

• Why does the United Kingdom have a national abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program for certain men, while the United States takes a more limited approach?

This conversation is deeply personal for me.

My own mother died from an abdominal aortic dissection. Looking back, there were warning signs that seemed to fit other diagnoses. Her back pain was attributed to longstanding spine and sciatica problems. Her smaller meals and loss of appetite were thought to be related to Crohn's disease, even though it was in remission. She described what felt like a tearing sensation that was believed to be a pulled muscle.

Like so many families, we were left wondering:

Could this have been recognized sooner?

If you or someone you love has high blood pressure, a history of smoking, vascular disease, connective tissue disorders, or a family history of aneurysm or dissection, this is a conversation you should not miss.

Please remember: This program is for education only and should not replace medical advice. If you develop sudden severe chest, back, abdominal, or tearing pain, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

If this conversation helps even one family recognize the warning signs sooner, it will be worth it.

Need help finding a vascular specialist or getting a second opinion?

Call the Global PAD Association Leg Saver Hotline:

1-833-PAD-LEGS (1-833-723-5347)

Our patient navigators help connect patients with experienced vascular specialists across the United States.

If you found this episode helpful:

• Subscribe to @TheWayToMyHeart

• Like this video

• Share it with your family and friends—you never know whose life it could save.

• Leave your questions in the comments. We may answer them in a future episode.

#AorticAneurysm #AorticDissection #HighBloodPressure #HeartHealth #VascularSurgery #CardiovascularHealth #HeartDisease #TheHeartOfInnovation #RushUniversity #PeripheralArteryDisease #PAD #LindseyGraham #KnowTheSigns #SaveALife