Remarks regarding sudden unexpected death from the point of view of forensic medicine
Marek, Z.
Patologia Polska 31(2): 245-254
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-3114 PMID: 7422386 Document Number: 166990
Coronary arterial atherosclerosis is the chief cause of sudden unexpected deaths. Several types of atherosclerosis responsible for different pathomechanisms of death may be distinguished, depending on the intensity and character of the morphology. By analyzing the hemodynamic disturbances in particular types of atherosclerosis it was possible to elucidate the mechanism of origin of cardiac infarction without concurrent total arrest of the blood flow to the damaged area. The statistically justified factors of threatening atherosclerosis and sudden death act on a genetically conditioned predisposition to these diseases. A search for somatic features which are easy to examine would facilitate the selection of those threatened with atherosclerosis and sudden death. Post-mortem observations of cases of death in the Department of Forensic Medicine support the suggestion that a pyknic habit, premature baldness, seborrhea, early sexual maturity and marked tertiary sexual characteristics are a set of features associated with the development of premature atherosclerosis of the ascending type and predisposition to sudden death. Possible prophylactic measures, including nutrition, are discussed.