34. Natural Deaths Flashcards
For what time frame is a death considered ‘sudden’?
From within an hour to 24 hours after the onset of illness
What is acute coronary syndrome?
Any group of symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischaemia
- unstable angina
- MI with or without ST segment elevation
What are the complications associated with acute coronary syndrome?
Atheroma and thrombosis
Acute MI
Ischaemic heart disease
Arrhythmias
What size heart is a male is considered a reason for sudden death?
> 500g
What size heart in a female is considered evidence for a sudden cardiac death?
> 400g
What is a cardiomyopathy?
Heart is structurally or functionallly abnormal, in a way that is not explained by CAD, high BP, valve failure or congenital defects
What is the most common cause of sudden death?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
What age group is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy present in?
30-40s
What are the signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy histiologically?
Interstitial fibrosis
Disorganised, branching and hypertrophic myocytes
What conditions can hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develop secondary to?
Hypertension
Amyloid
Glycogen storage disorders
Genetic syndromes
What are the types of cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic
Dilated
Restrictive
Arrythmogenic RV dysplasia
What are the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Genetic Alcohol Drugs Viral May be end stage presentation of other types of heart disease
What is the least common type of cardiomyopathy?
Restrictive
What might restrictive cardiomyopathy be secondary to?
Lupus
Amyloid
Sarcoid
How does arrhythmogenic RV dysplasia appear histiologically?
Fibrosis and fat +/- inflammation
What can prevent fatal arrythmias in RV dysplasia?
Defibrillator