Guwahati, April 18 -- A major two-year retrospective autopsy study conducted at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) has revealed that cardiovascular diseases account for more than half of all sudden natural deaths (SND) in the region, with coronary artery disease emerging as the single largest cause.

The findings, based on detailed post-mortem examinations, highlight an urgent public health crisis driven by lifestyle factors and limited awareness among Assam's population.

Researchers analysed 3,623 medico-legal autopsies conducted at AMCH between January 2023 and December 2024. Of these, 205 cases (5.65 per cent) were classified as sudden natural deaths occurring within 24 hours of symptom onset or hospital admission, with no prio...