Janna P Kauppila1, Lasse Pakanen2,3, Katja Porvari3, Juha Vähätalo1, Lauri Holmström1, Juha S Perkiömäki1, Heikki V Huikuri1, M Juhani Junttila1. 1. Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. 2. Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu, Finland. 3. Department of Forensic Medicine, Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Non-ischaemic heart disease (NIHD) is the underlying pathology in∼20% of all sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs). Heavy drinking is known to be associated with SCD due to ischaemic heart disease, but studies on association of recent alcohol consumption and SCD in patients with NIHD are scarce. We evaluated the blood alcohol levels of autopsy verified non-ischaemic SCD victims. METHODS: Study population was derived from the Finnish Genetic Study of Arrhythmic Events (Fingesture) (n = 5869, mean age 65 ± 12, 79% males). All deaths occurred in Northern Finland during 1998-2017. All victims underwent a medico-legal autopsy. Subjects of SCD due to ischaemic heart disease were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 1301 (mean age 57 ± 12, 78% males) victims of SCD due to NIHD were included in the study. The blood ethanol level was elevated in 543 (42%) subjects, out of which the blood alcohol level was ≥0.10%in 339 (62%) subjects and ≥0.15%in 252 (46%) subjects. Male SCD victims had alcohol in blood more frequently compared to females (45% versus 31%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Elevated blood alcohol level is common in SCD victims due to NIHD, especially in males. Recent alcohol consumption might contribute to the subsequent SCD in many non-ischaemic SCD victims.KEY MESSAGESElevated blood alcohol level is common in victims of sudden cardiac death due to non-ischaemic heart disease, especially in males.Recent alcohol consumption may contribute to the subsequent death in many nonischemic sudden cardiac death victims.
INTRODUCTION: Non-ischaemic heart disease (NIHD) is the underlying pathology in∼20% of all sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs). Heavy drinking is known to be associated with SCD due to ischaemic heart disease, but studies on association of recent alcohol consumption and SCD in patients with NIHD are scarce. We evaluated the blood alcohol levels of autopsy verified non-ischaemic SCD victims. METHODS: Study population was derived from the Finnish Genetic Study of Arrhythmic Events (Fingesture) (n = 5869, mean age 65 ± 12, 79% males). All deaths occurred in Northern Finland during 1998-2017. All victims underwent a medico-legal autopsy. Subjects of SCD due to ischaemic heart disease were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 1301 (mean age 57 ± 12, 78% males) victims of SCD due to NIHD were included in the study. The blood ethanol level was elevated in 543 (42%) subjects, out of which the blood alcohol level was ≥0.10%in 339 (62%) subjects and ≥0.15%in 252 (46%) subjects. Male SCD victims had alcohol in blood more frequently compared to females (45% versus 31%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Elevated blood alcohol level is common in SCD victims due to NIHD, especially in males. Recent alcohol consumption might contribute to the subsequent SCD in many non-ischaemic SCD victims.KEY MESSAGESElevated blood alcohol level is common in victims of sudden cardiac death due to non-ischaemic heart disease, especially in males.Recent alcohol consumption may contribute to the subsequent death in many nonischemic sudden cardiac death victims.
Entities:
Keywords:
Alcohol; medico-legal autopsy; non-ischaemic heart disease; sudden cardiac death
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