Cause of Death
A cause of death whether provided by a GP or a Pathologist after Post-Mortem is always set out in a particular format which is the same as will be stated on the final death certificate:
1a. The disease or condition immediately causing death
1b. The underlying cause of 1a
1c. The underlying cause of 1b
2. Any disease or condition that did not cause death but contributed in some way
It is not always necessary for sections 1b., 1c. or 2. to be completed
Here is an example of a simple natural cause of death:
1a. Myocardial infarction
1b. Coronary artery atheroma
1c. --
2. Diabetes
We would explain the above by saying that the immediate cause of this person's death 1a. was Myocardial infarction, (the medical term for a heart attack). The Myocardial infarction was caused by 1b. Coronary artery atheroma, (commonly known as 'hardening' or 'furring up' of the arteries - a condition which reduces the blood supply to the heart) and finally whilst not a direct cause of death but something that contributed to it was 2. Diabetes
Our Coroner's Officers can advise you the causes of death but if you have questions surrounding how this may have occurred or the treatment that has been received you may want to speak to the doctor that treated them at hospital, or to their GP.