Grant Wahl’s Sudden Death -- Aortic Aneurysm Can Be a Silent Killer

In the days leading up to his death, 49-year-old journalist Grant Wahl complained of chest pressure and cold symptoms. He was being treated for bronchitis when he died suddenly from an undetected ascending aortic aneurysm while covering the World Cup in Qatar.

But were Wahl’s symptoms actually signs of an aortic aneurysm?

Akhilesh Jain, MD, vascular surgeon at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, discusses aortic aneurysms and the risk factors you should know.

> Concerned about aortic aneurysm? Connect with an expert

Aortic aneurysms can suddenly turn deadly.

“If we think of our heart as the main pump in our body, then the aorta is the main hose supplying blood to our body. Sometimes, the aortic wall weakens and balloons up, which is known as aortic aneurysm,” says Dr. Jain.

An aortic aneurysm can be located in the chest (as in Wahl’s case), abdomen, or both.

“Aortic aneurysms can keep growing in the background and suddenly rupture, leading to a fatal event.”

A silent killer

What makes aortic aneurysms so deadly is that most people don’t experience any symptoms. It’s often called a silent killer, says Dr. Jain.

Read more about the potential signs and risk factors HERE.