A member asked:

Is there any way to tell if someone died of a heart attack without an autopsy?

10 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Pedro Hernandez answered

Specializes in Geriatrics

Hx & risk ( ): People who die with a hand or clenching fist in their chest when they collapse, or if they had history of coronary disease ( had previous heart attacks, stents or cabgs or had recent angina attacks ). If they die while sleeping overnight and have the previous history. Unless they have signs of stroke (paralysis or severe weakness of one leg, arm or face associated to abnormal speech) we assume it.

Answered 8/28/2016

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No: Unless they had laboratory studies done on their blood at the time of the heart attack, there would be no way of telling.

Answered 6/18/2015

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No: An electrocardiogram or bloodwork or imaging may make the diagnosis certain before death. Otherwise, a variety of illnesses from pulmonary thromboembolization to collapsed lung to pneumonia to homicidal poisoning can mimic it.

Answered 10/23/2020

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