If a person dies of a heart attack,is an autopsy done?

Question

In what cases are autopsys done and when are they not done???

Answer 1

Autopsies are done when the person had not been ill ; was not under the care of an attending physician; was not expected to die; died under unusual circumstances OR the family requests one be done [as I did when my died of complications from a stroke] see below

Why is an autopsy performed?
Autopsies are performed for several reasons:

When a suspicious death occurs, an autopsy is usually ordered.
An autopsy can be ordered when there is some public health concern, such as a mysterious disease.
An autopsy may be ordered if someone dies unattended by a physician, or if the attending physician is uncomfortable signing the death certificate.
The family of the deceased person can ask the hospital to perform an autopsy.

Answer 2

Autopsies are performed if requested by the next of kin. In certain cases though an autopsy is required by the state in which the decedent resided. If due to possible homicide, suicide, public health risk, or medical negligence then an autopsy is performed. If the decedent dies while an inpatient in a hospital for less than 24 hours an autopsy will be performed, at least that's the case in Illinois. If the patient was pregnant within the last year or died during childbirth there will be an autopsy as well. Also if the patient dies while in the operating room there will be an autopsy to rule out medical neglect or malpractice.
Usually a heart attack is not cause for an autopsy especially if the patient is over the age of 50 and / or has a significant history of heart disease or problematic blood clot formation. Of course one can be performed if the next of kin requests it but I believe it is a cost to the family as it is quite a time consuming process. After an autopsy the NOK may request a copy of the printed report from the medical examiner for a nominal fee (usually $5.00).
Note: The hospital does NOT perform the autopsy. The medical examiner (M.E.) does.
and... the blood oxygen would be zero after death as it quickly dissipates.

Answer 3

In most states autopsies are mandatory if the deceased is under a given age or the death is violent or suspicious.

If the family wants an autopsy, they may request one. In some cases, it may be suggested the physician.

Answer 4

If the cause of death is other than what doctors categorize as a natural demise, autopsies are about automatically done. Natural means simply old age.

Answer 5

If the person is young, if death is unexpected, if foul play is suspected, or if the family requests it, an autopsy is done.

Answer 6

i persume they are done the majority of the time! or they would test the blood to check the oxygen levels! not 100% though