Physical and chemical injury as causes of sudden cardiac death: the forensic forum

L Riddick

doi:10.1016/1054-8807(94)90023-X

Physical and chemical injury as causes of sudden cardiac death: the forensic forum

Cardiovasc Pathol. 1994 Jul-Sep;3(3):147-53. doi: 10.1016/1054-8807(94)90023-X.

Author

L Riddick¹

Affiliation

¹ Region IV Laboratory of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and Pathology Department of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, USA.

PMID: 25990990
DOI: 10.1016/1054-8807(94)90023-X

Abstract

Physical and chemical injuries account for the largest number of sudden, unexpected cardiac deaths in persons between the ages of 1 and 44 years. Blunt-force injuries, lacerations, avulsions, and contusions of the heart and great vessels sustained during motor vehicle crashes constitute the most prevalent type of lethal physical trauma to the cardiovascular system. The second most prevalent type of trauma is from penetrating and perforating wounds inflicted by firearms. The mechanisms of these injuries are discussed, with emphasis placed on those factors contributing to lethality. The three most prevalent chemicals associated with sudden cardiac death-ethyl alcohol, cocaine, and tricylic antidepressants-are briefly mentioned.