No inquest?

[Lionsmanez]

Just thought I’d ask really.. an old friend died at 32 suddenly due to a heart attack. They’ve claimed ischemic heart disease and there will be no autopsy or post mortem. I honestly thought at that sort of age there would be some investigation?

First of all, I'm sorry for your loss, it must have been hard to lose someone at such a young age.
Unexpected and unexplained deaths are referred to the Coroner (plus deaths in hospitals and prisons).
I would expect (on the basis of what you've said) that there would have been an autopsy, although depending on where you are in the country these can sometimes be performed non-invasively, so it might not be apparent that it had happened.
Not all deaths referred to the Coroner result in an inquest being held. If the Coroner is satisfied as to the cause and manner of death after reviewing the information available to them, there would not need to be an inquest.

Thank you for your reply. No autopsy has taken place, as they still have tubes inserted that were used during attempts to save him while they were waiting for the coroner to decide on the next course of action. Coroner decided today to close the case.

Had they recently seen gp? If the heart disease was documented and your friend under treatment it may not be necessary.

If there was a known medical history and known symptoms at presentation then an autopsy would not be needed. Autopsies are not done unless really needed.

They can do a CT scan after death can't they. This may have been done and showed something clear cut.
Found this out watching a recent tv series, 'cause of death' I think it was.

My father died suddenly, so needed an autopsy and inquest. It's horrible: delays funeral arrangements, and distresses the family. I had to hear the detailed findings of the autopsy, which was really upsetting. Why on Earth would you want one (unless there is some suspicion of foul play)? Be glad that the Coroner was sensible enough not to demand one.

The coroner will have full details of their medical history, the events leading up to his heart attack and the resuscitation records. There may no need for a pm if there's a known cause so that sounds sensible. Sorry for your loss. Thoughts are with friends and family.

It may have been that they did investigations before he died - cardiac blood tests, ECG an echocardiogram is quite commonly done in ITU. If the clinical
picture is clear then a PM won’t be done. They are much rarer than you might think these days.

@MissLucyEyelesbarrow it’s not that I think there should be one - I genuinely thought a heart attack in a seemingly healthy young person would require one as it’s a ‘sudden death’.

Was he in hospital, he may of been suffering with ihd which is not the same as a heart attack. Sudden and unexpected deaths are different to complications from a known illness.

@HappyHamsters Not at the time he started showing illness, no. Seemingly fit and healthy.

If medically the doctors are confident of the diagnosis to issue a medical certificate, and there are no suspicious circumstances then there is no need for the coroner or an inquest. There may have been signs before or during the resuscitation that made it clear there was a heart attack.

I am sorry for your loss.