What happens when someone dies of a heart attack?

A person in sudden cardiac arrest will collapse suddenly and lose consciousness, with no pulse or breathing. Without immediate CPR or a shock from an automated defibrillator, the person usually dies within minutes — that’s why it’s called “sudden cardiac death.”

How long does a coroner investigation take?

It will take between 4 and 12 weeks to carry out the investigation. An Officer will phone you as soon as we have the results. Then one of two things will happen. If it is confirmed that death was due to natural causes, we will close the case.

Do coroners investigate all deaths?

A coroner’s investigation involves a few organisations who work together to make the investigation as timely as possible. Deaths a coroner may investigate include: unexpected, unnatural or violent deaths (including homicides and suicides) when a person who was in care or custody dies.

How long does a coroners inquest take?

Some inquests only take a few hours, but others can take several days or weeks. Article 2 inquests may take longer. The Chief Coroner for England and Wales is responsible for preventing delays. If an inquest investigation takes longer than 12 months, it has to be reported to the Chief Coroner.

How long does a coroners report take?

A post-mortem will be carried out as soon as possible, usually within 2 to 3 working days of a person’s death. In some cases, it may be possible for it to take place within 24 hours.

Can a coroner tell if someone has died from a heart attack?

Well, the Coroner cannot tell just by looking at someone. If the deceased had a primary physician that was treating him/her for heart problems like heart disease, the Coroner might make a guess that death was caused from a heart attack.

How do coroners make decisions about a death?

Coroners and medical examiners make the determination in various other instances, including deaths that are unexpected, violent, or occur at home. Part I and II of a death certificate ask what caused a death and what other factors contributed to it.

How long does it take to find out the cause of death?

The exam usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Many times, experts can figure out the cause of death in that time. But in other cases, you might have to wait until a lab can do more tests to look for signs of drugs, poisons, or disease. That can take several days or weeks.

How is a heart attack determined to be the cause of death?

The most accurate method of determining that a heart attack was the cause of death is an autopsy. The pathologist performs a head to toe external physical exam prior to making a Y incision that runs from each shoulder to the sternum then directly down to the pubis.