Inquest into the death of Anzac Sullivan

38y · Male·Combined effects of coronary atherosclerosis and cardiomegaly, with methylamphetamine use being a significant condition contributing to the death but not relating to the disease causing it. Death was due to fatal cardiac arrhythmia secondary to pre-existing cardiac disease.

Anzac Sullivan, a 38-year-old Aboriginal man, died of a cardiac arrhythmia secondary to severe underlying cardiac disease (coronary atherosclerosis, cardiomegaly, and possible QT prolongation) while fleeing from police attempting to execute an arrest warrant. Methylamphetamine use on the preceding night increased his arrhythmia risk. No police physical contact caused his death. Clinical lessons include: undiagnosed advanced coronary artery disease can present first as sudden cardiac death; stimulant drugs significantly lower the threshold for fatal arrhythmias in patients with pre-existing cardiac pathology; Aboriginal men have elevated risk factors for early coronary disease; and exertional cardiac stress in unscreened high-risk patients can be catastrophic. Earlier medical engagement, diabetes management, cardiovascular risk assessment, and drug cessation counselling may have been beneficial, though Mr Sullivan was reportedly reluctant to comply with treatment.