In a peek at FIFA’s enthusiasm and bewilderment, the sad news of the sudden death of American Soccer Journalist Grant Wahl shocked everyone.
He was covering the Argentina and Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-final match in Qatar and suddenly collapsed in the press box.
Medical staff attempted CPR but 48 years old passed away.
Speaking to CBS Mornings on Wednesday, his wife Dr. Celine Gounder said, “He had an autopsy done here in New York by the New York City medical examiner’s office, and it showed that he had an aortic aneurysm that ruptured.
She continues that“It’s just one of these things that had been likely brewing for years, and whatever reason it happened at this point in time.”
“The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms. No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him. His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death.” Gounder wrote on Substack.
Grant Wahl’s death bring grief among his fan and many people pay tribute to their favorite journalist.
Qatar World Cup organiser also paid tribute to Wahl by placing a memorial to his assigned seat for England’s quarter-final clash with France.
His sudden death left everyone upset everyone and left the question in people’s minds about what is an aortic aneurysm and it’s symptoms.
What is an Aortic Aneurysm?
The aorta is the main artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like swelling in the aorta. Aneurysm weakens that portion of the artery and the force of blood pumping splits the layers of the artery wall, allowing blood to leak in between them.
This process is called dissection.
An aneurysm can burst the artery and cause bleeding inside the body, it is called rupture.
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Ascending Aortic Aneurysm
Ascending aortic aneurysm is one where there is bulging or swelling and weakening of a part of the aorta before it curves into the aortic arch.
What Exactly Happened in Grant Wahl’s Case?
According to the doctors in Grant Wahl’s case aneurysm may develop slowly over time, he was not experiencing any symptoms until it gets ruptured or dissects.
He was recently treated for bronchitis, so it is possible that some symptoms of a growing aortic aneurysm could lead to respiratory infection like cough or chest discomfort.
But what happened in his case it is not known exactly.
Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm
- Sudden chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble in breathing
- Cough
Not everyone experiences symptoms and this will lead to sudden death.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone Hospitalised Due to this Disease: Know What it is
What are the Risk Factors for Aortic Aneurysm?
Inherited diseases and unhealthy behavior are the main risk factors. Which includes :
- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- Cholesterol
- Atherosclerosis (hardened arteries)
Some inherited connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can increase your risk of aortic aneurysm.