Sudden Death Due to Atherosclerotic Heart Disease in the Very Young Adult

Abstract : Sudden death in young adults is uncommon and frequently attributed to genetic conditions including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or ion channel diseases. Sudden death due to coronary artery disease in those less than 30 years of age is not commonly reported as an etiology. Sudden death due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in those <30 years is much higher than previous series. Our differences may be due to this be an active surveillance, all with complete autopsies. Death due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in the young occurs frequently without a prodrome and is often non-exertional.