Investigation and inquest
On 12.10.11 I opened an inquest into the death of Anna Ulmer Ahmed, aged 30, dod 10th October 2011, case ref 02631-2011. The inquest was heard on 18th September 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was natural causes.
Circumstances of the death
Mrs Ahmed, aged 30, with a family history of heart disease, was seen by ambulance staff with chest pain and examination and ECG were reported as normal. The officers were aware of and considered sudden adult death syndrome. She needed medical assessment and chose to go later to her GP for further investigation. He concluded that the pain was non cardiac, but referred her for an appointment in a chest pain clinic. She died sudden adult cardiac death syndrome (SAD) a few hours later at home.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Possibility of generally low awareness of the condition of SAD in general practice
(2) Apparent lack of guidelines or lack of awareness of guidelines available to guide GPs on the circumstances for urgent referral of patients who should be suspected as being vulnerable to SAD.