Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Published on: February 16, 2011
Homicide by heart attack?
Fabio De Giorgio1, Vincenzo Arena, Elisa Arena
1Institute of Legal Medicine, Catholic University, School of Medicine, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy. fabio.degiorgio@rm.unicatt.it
Abstract:
We report here the case of a 53-year-old man who suddenly fell to the ground after being involved in a physical aggression by two younger men. Forensic autopsy revealed no significant injury except for slight, pale abrasions on the face. There were extensive signs of hypertensive and severe coronary artery atherosclerosis, corresponding to the data available from clinical history. The cause of death was established as acute myocardial ischemia due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, probably related to the physical and/or emotional stress due to the aggression. We discuss medico-legal aspects of the death.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

