Coronial
QLDhospital

Heywood, John Martin

Deceased

John Martin Heywood

Demographics

68y, male

Date of death

2006-07-20

Finding date

2009-12-03

Cause of death

Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) precipitated by coronary atherosclerosis and phaeochromocytoma

AI-generated summary

John Martin Heywood, a 68-year-old prisoner, died of natural causes (arrhythmia precipitated by coronary atherosclerosis and phaeochromocytoma) while in custody at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Secure Unit. He had been undergoing medical investigation for weight loss, anorexia, and suspected malignancy. The coroner found he received a high standard of medical care throughout his final admissions. A 'Not for Resuscitation' directive was in place. The investigation revealed initial shortcomings in police documentation, but supplementary investigations confirmed the death was from natural causes with no foul play or negligence. The coroner made no preventive recommendations, having found no issues warranting comment on prevention.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Specialties

cardiologyendocrinologygastroenterologygeneral medicineforensic medicine

Clinical conditions

phaeochromocytomacoronary atherosclerosischronic obstructive pulmonary diseasediabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent)depressionhypertrophic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular hypertrophy)postural hypotensionhelicobacter pylori infectionhepatic cystsadrenal nodule

Procedures

chest X-raygastroscopyultrasoundCT scanbone scanechocardiogramcolonoscopyautopsy

Contributing factors

  • coronary atherosclerosis
  • phaeochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour)
  • progressive deterioration in health
  • postural hypotension
  • weakness and frailty
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