The Analysis and Pattern of Sudden Deaths at a Teaching Hospital, Telangana

Abstract

Sudden natural death is defined as a healthy person's death within 24 hours after the onset of a terminal illness without any history of past illness. This study looks forward to assess the demographic profile, causes of sudden natural deaths, and the pattern involved in these cases. Materials and Methods: This prospective hospital-based study was conducted at an emergency department, Mamata General Hospital attached to Medical College, Khammam; Telangana, from January 2021 to December 2021. During this study period, 148 cases of sudden death victims were reported. Data of all sudden deaths 148 cases were collected, of which, 128 (86.48%) were male. Most of the th victims were in the 4-5 decade, urban and lower socioeconomic groups, and laborers. Most of the cases occurred in the winter season. No ill health before death with alcohol abuse and smoking habits. The majority of onset of terminal signs and symptoms were reported at their home, during morning hours, and the most common symptom was unconscious, the cardiovascular system was involved in 45% of cases, the Pulmonary System in 28%, the Neurological System in 20% and the Gastrointestinal system 12%. Coronary artery disease was the single largest cause of death. This study shows a pattern of male manual workers of age between 31-40 who have encountered sudden death at their residence during the daytime during winter in the months of January, February, and March mostly found unconscious. This study revealed that a significant number of sudden deaths occurred in adults, particularly in the population above 30 years. Cardiac troubles contributed the maximum number, with atherosclerosis being the main culprit causing coronary artery disease.