We have now learned what caused the death of the late Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr, 87, who passed away last month. According to the report, the primary cause of death of the beloved actor was Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with atrial fibrillation as a contributing factor. Here are the conditions explained:
What is COPD?
According to The Mayo Clinic, COPD “is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.” It’s typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions contributing to COPD. These two conditions usually occur together and can vary in severity among individuals with COPD.
Symptoms include:
- Frequent coughing or wheezing
- Excess phlegm or sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble taking a deep breath
COPD is a progressive disease that can worsen over time. Patients may have to use oxygen.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
According to The American Heart Association, Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation is a quivering or irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib or AF, can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
Some people describe their symptoms as their heart flip-flopping, skipping a beat, or beating hard against their chest. Others have no symptoms and had the condition diagnosed during a check-up.
About 15-20% of people who have strokes have this condition, so doctors often prescribe blood thinners to them. If the condition goes untreated, you are at an increased risk for stroke or heart-related death.
Please see your health care professional if you have any of these symptoms.
