Natural Deaths: Cardiac Flashcards
This word refers to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, and can cause CAD.
Atherosclerosis
(KW)
What is the most common reason for death in the US?
Cardiac Disease
(KW)
What are some common causes of Heart Disease?
Obesity, Smoking, Genetics, and Diabetes are all common causes, but not the only ones.
(KW)
What is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?
When the heart can’t properly pump or full efficiently, it can also lead to liver and kidney failure.
(KW)
What is CAD?
Coronary Artery Disease
(KW)
What is A Myocardial infarction? (MI)
AR
Heart Attack
What occurs during a heart attack?
AR
blood flow in the heart is blocked or reduced
What are Cardiac symptoms?
AR
Head or Jaw pain, chest pain or heartburn, nausea/vomiting, fatigue & sudden urge to poop
What is skin mottling?
AR
Blotchy skin, similar look to marbling
What are the “heart strings” called?
AR
Chordae Tendineae
T or F: Cardiac death only occurs in the elderly.
False, cardiac death can occur at any age (HS)
What are some things that can be documented at a cardiac death scene (or any death scene)?
Medications, calendar, fridge contents, any medical records found at the scene (HS)
What could it mean if someone collapses prone with their arms at their sides?
Their death was sudden, and they had no chance to catch themselves. (HS)
What is pitting edema?
Fluid buildup/swelling in the body that leaves an indentation when it is pushed on. (HS)
Why do cardiac deaths sometimes occur in the bathroom?
A symptom of a heart attack could be feeling the urgent need to use the restroom. (HS)
What is myocardial fibrosis?
Scar tissue that is formed in the heart which is caused by ischemia, inflammation, or hypertension
(NA)
What is cardiomegaly?
an enlarged heart
(NA)
What should you consider when investigating a natural cardiac death?
Were the exercising before death?
stress?
any hospitalizations or surgeries?
recent medical complaints?
(NA)
What circumstances/findings would suggest a cardiac death?
lower leg edema
dies in the bathroom
frothy fluid in mouth
jugular vein distention
skin mottling
(NA)
Chance of death can be up to ___% higher after a spousal death
70% (CG)
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to grow too thick, leading cause of sudden cardiac death in younger people. (CG)
Dramatic changes in rhythm and blood substances after a major event such as a family death with no evidence of blocked arteries is called…
Broken Heart Syndrome (CG)
Frothy fluid in the mouth is indicative of what?
Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) (CG)
What is atrial fibrillation?
The most common arrhythmia with an irregular and often fast heartbeat. (CG)
