The cause of death for Paul O’Grady, who died at home at the age of 67, has been confirmed.
The Lily Savage actress died ‘unexpectedly but quietly’ on March 28 in his ‘own bed’ with his spouse Andre Portasio alongside him.
‘He will be deeply missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals, and all those who cherished his wit, humour, and compassion,’ Portasio said at the time in a statement.
Leading luminaries in the entertainment industry, including Sir Elton John, as well as the royal family, paid tribute to the For the Love of Dogs actor.
The cause of death was not disclosed at the time, but it has now been identified as sudden cardiac arrhythmia syndrome (SADS).
According to his death certificate obtained by the Daily Express, the syndrome was linked to the Blankey Blank host’s ischemic heart disease.
According to the British Heart Foundation, SADS occurs when a person dies abruptly and unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest but the reason of the cardiac arrest cannot be determined.
According to the NHS, ischaemic heart disease occurs when your heart’s blood flow is obstructed or interrupted by a buildup of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.
According to the government authority, it is a major cause of death in the UK and throughout the world.
O’Grady has previously spoken of heart attacks, describing one as “like an earthquake,” and a family history of heart illness.
‘I do count my blessings. I have had two heart attacks, and if I get to 60 that will be amazing. I don’t fear anything nowadays,’ he told The Mirror.
‘There has to be an angel out there. They are trying to steer me out of trouble 24 hours a day.’
In January 2014, O’Grady spoke out experiencing a third heart scare, telling The Mirror: ‘I’d rather live life to the full, even if that’s five or 10 years. That’s better to me than sitting at home and living for 30 years.’
He outlined that both of his parents and his grandparents died from heart problems, sharing: ‘My sister has had mini strokes, my brother has had a heart attack and various other members of the family – it’s genetic and there’s nothing I can do. I could dwell on it, but I choose not to.’