Aristotle Onassis was a shipping magnate and one of the wealthiest men in the world during his time. However, his success was not without its challenges.
Onassis suffered from a chronic disorder that caused weakness in his muscles, making it difficult for him to perform everyday tasks. This disease ultimately led to his death at the age of 69.
In this article, we will explore the disease that plagued Onassis and how it impacted his life and legacy. Join us as we delve into the history of this condition and its symptoms, and learn more about how it affected one of the most famous businessmen of the 20th century.
What Disease Did Aristotle Onassis Have
Aristotle Onassis suffered from a disease called myasthenia gravis (MG). This chronic disorder is characterized by fluctuating weakness of voluntary muscle groups and is thought to affect 20 out of 100,000 people in the United States.
MG can cause a variety of symptoms, including slurred speech, weakness in the limbs, a drooping eyelid, and difficulty breathing. For some, the symptoms come and go, making it difficult to predict when they will occur.
Onassis was diagnosed with MG in the last years of his life. This disease made it difficult for him to perform everyday tasks, and ultimately led to his death at the age of 69 due to respiratory failure.
Introduction To Aristotle Onassis
Aristotle Onassis, also known as “Ari,” was a Greek shipping magnate and one of the richest men in the world during his time. He was born on January 15, 1906, in Smyrna, Turkey. Onassis did not excel in school and left for Buenos Aires, Argentina, after the Turks invaded his town in 1921. He worked as a telephone engineer and used his cleverness to eavesdrop on business calls, which he then used to set up deals of his own. Eventually, he became a successful businessman and lived a life of luxury with expensive clothes. Onassis was known for his shrewd social and business skills and was able to reinvent himself as an “important businessman” during the day while continuing to work the phone lines at night. Despite his success, Onassis suffered a great loss when his son Alexander died in a plane crash in 1973. This event had a profound effect on him both emotionally and physically. He developed myasthenia gravis after his son’s death, which ultimately led to his own passing at the age of 69 due to respiratory failure.
The Mystery Illness
Despite being diagnosed with MG, Onassis also suffered from a mysterious illness that left him bedridden and in need of medical attention. In February of 1975, he was suffering from a potentially dangerous combination of influenza and myasthenia gravis, which required a heart specialist to be flown in from the United States to attend to him.
Although staff members at Onassis’s villa denied that he was seriously ill, reports suggested that his condition was grave. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, flew to Athens to be with him during this time. Friends of Mrs. Onassis in New York reported that her husband had called her complaining of being alone and “very depressed.”
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Onassis passed away just a month later due to respiratory failure, a complication of his myasthenia gravis. His passing left behind a legacy as a prominent 20th century figure and Greek shipping magnate.
Symptoms And Diagnosis
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis can vary from person to person, and can also change over time. The most common symptoms include weakness in the muscles that control eye movement, facial expression, chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Other symptoms may include weakness in the neck, arms, and legs.
Diagnosis of MG typically involves a physical exam and a review of the patient’s medical history. A neurological exam may also be conducted to assess muscle strength and reflexes. Blood tests may be ordered to check for specific antibodies that are associated with MG.
In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. These may include a single fiber electromyography (EMG) test or a repetitive nerve stimulation test. These tests can help to identify abnormalities in the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles.
Early diagnosis and treatment of MG is important in order to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options may include medications to improve muscle strength and reduce symptoms, as well as therapies such as plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to help remove harmful antibodies from the blood.
Impact On Onassis’ Life And Career
The impact of myasthenia gravis on Onassis’ life and career was significant. He was forced to limit his activities and delegate more responsibilities to others. His health issues also affected his ability to conduct business, as he was unable to travel extensively or attend meetings for extended periods of time.
The disease also had a profound emotional impact on Onassis, particularly after the death of his son Alexander. He reportedly became increasingly depressed and paranoid, believing that the CIA and the Greek military junta were responsible for his son’s death.
Despite these challenges, Onassis continued to work and expand his business empire until his death. He established the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation in memory of his son, which received a significant portion of his estate. The foundation continues to support charitable causes around the world.
Treatments And Management
There is no known cure for myasthenia gravis, but there are a variety of treatments available to manage the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to improve muscle strength and reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms.
One common treatment for MG is the use of medications that improve nerve transmission to the muscles. These medications include cholinesterase inhibitors, such as pyridostigmine, which help increase muscle strength by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for muscle function.
Another treatment option is immunosuppressive therapy, which involves the use of medications that suppress the immune system. This can help reduce the amount of antibodies that attack the receptors on the muscles, leading to improved muscle function. Examples of immunosuppressive medications used for MG include azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine.
In more severe cases of MG, plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be used. Plasmapheresis involves removing antibodies from the blood plasma, while IVIG involves infusing immunoglobulin proteins into the bloodstream to help block the antibodies that attack the muscles.
In addition to these medical treatments, lifestyle modifications can also help manage symptoms of MG. This includes getting enough rest, avoiding stress, and conserving energy by breaking up tasks into smaller parts throughout the day.
It is important for individuals with MG to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and helps them manage their symptoms effectively.
Legacy And Awareness Of The Disease Today
Despite being a rare disease, myasthenia gravis is still prevalent today. With advancements in medicine, there are now treatments available to help manage the symptoms of MG. However, there is still no cure for the disease.
The legacy of Aristotle Onassis and his battle with MG has brought awareness to this disorder. It has helped to shed light on the struggles faced by those who live with this chronic condition. Today, organizations such as the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America work tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for research.
Through the efforts of these organizations and the continued research into MG, there is hope for a future where those living with this disease can lead more comfortable lives. The legacy of Aristotle Onassis serves as a reminder that while MG may be a rare disease, it is still an important one that deserves attention and support.
