Sudden cardiac death in Otago: a review of 408 cases.
Four hundred and eight sudden cardiac deaths are reviewed from epidemiological and pathological viewpoints. All cases were investigated by Otago coroners between 1971 and 1979. Necropsies were performed personally by the author, these representing over 80% of such examinations in the specified period. Fifty-four point nine percent of the deaths occurred at home, 9.1% in public places, 9.1% in hospitals and 3.7% in sports grounds. The majority (88.7%) occurred between the ages 41-80, the peak being 51-70 (61.3%). Seventy-one point three percent were male. There was an associated history of physical exertion in 19.4% but relevant information was unobtainable in 46.6%. Judging from gastric contents, food had been consumed recently in 64.9%. There was a relevant medical history in 44.6%. In 40.9% significant symptoms were recorded prior to the deaths. At necropsy 84.8% were attributed to ischaemic heart disease, 7.1% to myocarditis, 4.7% to cardiomyopathy and 3.4% to valvular disease.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001344:Autopsy; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand