Abstract

Background: Sudden death is a significant global public health concern affecting individuals under 40. Understanding sudden death dynamics is crucial for addressing health and legal implications. Exploring epidemiology, causes, and risk factors is essential for implementing preventive measures, healthcare policies, and forensic practices.

Objective: To identify the causes of sudden death among individuals under 40 in Baghdad. To assess the impact of lifestyle and family history contributions and examine the patterns of age, sex, and gender in sudden death cases within this particular demographic group.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 69 medico-legal cases involving individuals under the age of 40 in Baghdad from January 1st to June 30th of 2023. Collected data included demographics, cause of death, social history, family history, chronic illnesses, and consanguinity. Postmortem examinations and further investigations were conducted, and statistical analysis included percentages, ratios, Chi-square tests, and t-tests.

Results: A significant percentage of sudden deaths occurred in individuals aged between 31 and 39. Myocardial infarction and bronchopneumonia were the primary reasons for sudden death. Cardiovascular-related causes were predominant. The majority of cases had no history of smoking exposure, and 24.6% had parents who were consanguineous. The incidence of younger age mortality was linked to a positive family history.

Conclusion: Myocardial infarction and bronchopneumonia were the most common causes of sudden death. There is a complex relationship between smoking and sudden death. A significant association exists between a positive family history and younger age of death.