Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Coronary atherosclerosis in noncardiac deaths: An autopsy study
Priti Vyas1, Ratigar Narangar Gonsai1, Charu Meenakshi1
1Department of Pathology, B. J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Insights
Atherosclerosis, a precursor to ischemic heart disease, is highly prevalent in the Indian population, affecting 73% of non-cardiac death autopsy cases. Early screening for coronary atherosclerosis is crucial for both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Public Health
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading global cause of mortality.
- Autopsy studies of non-cardiac deaths offer insights into atherosclerosis prevalence.
- This study investigated atherosclerosis in individuals who died from non-cardiac causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of atherosclerosis in the Indian population.
- To identify common coronary artery involvement patterns.
- To assess the significance of atherosclerosis as a risk factor for IHD.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological analysis of 250 autopsy cases (113 non-cardiac deaths).
- Examination of hearts and major coronary arteries for atherosclerotic plaques.
- Grading of lesions using the American Heart Association classification.
Main Results:
- Atherosclerosis was found in 73.45% of non-cardiac death cases.
- Males (82%) were more frequently affected than females (18%).
- The left anterior descending artery was most commonly involved (69%); 22% had triple vessel disease.
Conclusions:
- Atherosclerosis shows an alarmingly high prevalence in this Indian cohort.
- Coronary atherosclerosis develops early in the Indian population.
- Early screening for coronary atherosclerosis is recommended for both sexes due to its risk for IHD.
Introduction:
Atherosclerosis leading to ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common cause of cardiac deaths worldwide. To evaluate the prevalence of atherosclerosis, an autopsy-based study conducted on subjects who died of noncardiac causes can be a valuable tool. With this hypothesis, we conducted this study on the hearts of subjects who died of noncardiac causes.
Materials And Methods:
This study was conducted from August 2012 to February 2013 at Department of Pathology, BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The deceased patients who died of noncardiac causes and underwent autopsy at our hospital, their hearts were sent to our department for histopathological analysis. The hearts were fixed in 10% formalin, weighed, measured, and the three main coronary arteries were dissected out and carefully examined for any histological evidence of atherosclerotic plaques and associated pathological lesions and graded according to the classification given by American Heart Association.
Results:
A total of 250 autopsy cases were evaluated. Amongst them 113 were deaths due to noncardiac causes, of which 83 (73.45%) subjects had evidence of atherosclerosis. In the study, 68 (82%) were males and 15 (18%) were females. Left anterior descending artery (LADA; 69%) was the most commonly involved coronary artery. Triple vessel disease was found in 22% of subjects.
Conclusion:
The study showed alarmingly high prevalence of atherosclerosis. The pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis begins at a younger age in Indian population. Though the incidence of atherosclerosis is more common in males compared to females; coronary atherosclerosis is an important risk factor for IHDs in both sexes and screening for the same should begin at an early age.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations