PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL INJURY AS CAUSES OF SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH - THE FORENSIC FORUM

Physical and chemical injuries account for the largest number of sudde n, unexpected cardiac deaths in persons between the ages of 1 and 44 y ears. Blunt-force injuries, lacerations, avulsions, and contusions of the heart and great vessels sustained during motor vehicle crashes con stitute the most prevalent type of lethal physical trauma to the cardi ovascular system. The second most prevalent type of trauma is from pen etrating and perforating wounds inflicted by firearms. The mechanisms of these injuries are discussed, with emphasis placed on those factors contributing to lethality. The three most prevalent chemicals associa ted with sudden cardiac death-ethyl alcohol, cocaine, and tricylic ant idepressants-are briefly mentioned.