Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
04:20
Extraction of Diatom DNA from Water Samples and Tissues
Published on: November 10, 2023
Cardiac disease and probable intent after drowning.
Andreas Claesson1, Henrik Druid, Jonny Lindqvist
1Kungälv Ambulance Service, SE-442 40 Kungälv, Sweden. andreas.claesson@telia.com
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Cardiac disease was a potential factor in 14% of accidental drowning deaths but absent in suicides. Ventricular fibrillation rates were similar regardless of cardiac disease presence in drowning victims.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Cardiology
- Public health
Background:
- Drowning is a significant cause of death globally.
- Cardiac arrest is a critical event in drowning fatalities.
- Understanding contributing factors to drowning deaths is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of cardiac disease in drowning fatalities.
- To explore the relationship between cardiac disease and the intent (accidental vs. suicidal) of drowning.
- To identify cardiac disease as a potential contributing factor in drowning deaths.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of autopsied drowning cases (1990-2010) from the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine.
- Inclusion of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases due to drowning from the Swedish registry.
- Correlation of cardiac disease findings with drowning intent and cause of death.
Main Results:
- Cardiac disease was identified as a possible contributor in 9% of all drowning autopsies.
- Cardiac disease was present in 14% of accidental drowning cases, but 0% of suicidal drownings (P = .05).
- Coronary artery sclerosis and myocardial infarction were the most frequent cardiac conditions found.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac disease is a relevant factor in a subset of accidental drowning deaths.
- The absence of cardiac disease in suicidal drowning cases suggests different underlying mechanisms.
- Ventricular fibrillation prevalence did not significantly differ based on the presence of cardiac disease in drowning victims.
More Related Videos
03:13Technical Refinement of a Bilateral Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Mouse Model for Acute Kidney Injury Research
Published on: November 3, 2023
08:19Transthoracic Echocardiography to Assess Post-Resuscitation Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Arrest in Pigs
Published on: July 12, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
01:26Imbalances in Cardiac Output
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...