Unanticipated Demise: A Five-Year Retrospective Study of Sudden Natural Deaths

Sudden natural deaths (SNDs) are unexpected fatalities from natural causes, occurring without warning or preceding terminal illness. This five-year retrospective study examines the socio-demographic profile, seasonal trends, and aetiological factors contributing to SNDs autopsied at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) Medical College. A total of 543 autopsy cases of SNDs from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed. Age, gender, marital status, socioeconomic status, location, and seasonality were collected. Deaths were classified into cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, and other causes. Descriptive statistics highlighted demographic trends and causative factors. Most SNDs occurred in middle-aged individuals (41–60 years), with males accounting for 68% of cases. Cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause (42%), followed by respiratory disorders (23%) and neurological conditions (15%). Seasonal peaks were noted in winter (45%), with cardiovascular and respiratory deaths predominating. The majority of deaths occurred at home (56%), followed by workplaces or outdoors (25%). Married individuals (69%) and those from the middle class (50%) were most affected. Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions are major causes of sudden natural deaths, especially among middle-aged men, with seasonal peaks highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Reducing these risks requires addressing social and economic disparities while increasing public awareness of heart disease, strokes, and respiratory conditions in high-risk populations.