Inquest into the death of Therese WILLIAMS

60y · Female·ischaemic heart disease

A 60-year-old woman was found deceased at her home, having enjoyed an evening with friends the previous evening. Autopsy revealed focal narrowing (40%) of one major coronary artery with mild left ventricular scarring and chronic liver congestion, indicating previous cardiac damage. While the pathologist initially recorded the cause as unascertained due to the relatively mild coronary narrowing, the coroner, applying the civil standard of balance of probabilities rather than the stricter medical standard, concluded the death was due to ischaemic heart disease. The case highlights the importance of recognizing that significant family history of early coronary disease, unexplained ventricular fibrosis, and chronic cardiac changes can indicate underlying ischaemic disease even when coronary narrowing appears modest on isolated assessment. Earlier recognition of cardiovascular risk factors and preventive investigation may have altered her outcome.