Emergency calls for cardiac arrest were made at the home of Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday night, leading to speculation regarding his health. Graham's staff released a statement early Sunday, indicating that he passed away following a 'brief and sudden illness,' but did not confirm the cause of death. Reports indicate that emergency medical services responded to a call for cardiac arrest at his residence late Saturday evening.
Graham, 71, has a family history of heart disease; his father, Florence James Graham, died of a heart attack at age 68. Following his father's death, Graham became the legal guardian of his younger sister. Their mother passed away from cancer 15 months prior to their father's death.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is highly hereditary. Children of parents with premature cardiovascular disease have a 60% to 75% chance of developing heart problems later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds in the U.S., totaling approximately 805,000 annually, with about 20% being silent heart attacks.
Coronary artery disease, the most prevalent form of heart disease, is characterized by the buildup of cholesterol and other substances in the arteries supplying blood to the heart, which reduces oxygen flow to the heart muscle. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and being overweight, along with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
President Donald Trump commented on NBC News's Meet the Press that Graham appeared 'a little tired' during a phone call shortly before his death. Graham was scheduled to appear on the program on Sunday morning. The Washington Examiner has reached out to Graham's office for further comment.