"He said Mr Kahsai's family should seek medical attention to confirm
whether or not they were also sufferers.
Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox said: “It is obviously essential that this
information should be passed on to them.”
http://www.streathamguardian.co.uk/news/9552250.Dead_minicab_driver_s_family_at_risk_of_death__court_hears/
Dead minicab driver's family at risk of death, court hears
9:46am Friday 24th February 2012
The family of a minicab driver who died from a rare heart condition he
never knew he had could also be at risk of sudden death, a court heard.
Berhane Kahsai, 30, of Woodmansterne Road, Streatham, collapsed in front of
shoppers in a busy road after mounting the pavement in Greyhound Lane,
Streatham Vale, with his moped.
The former civil engineering student, who friends later described as
“active and healthy”, was given medical treatment by paramedics but died
moments later, leaving shocked residents congregated around his body, the
inquest at Westminster Coroner's Court heard on Thursday (February 23).
Following the incident on the morning of December 10 last year, a post
mortem examination revealed that Mr Kahsai, who moved to England from
Eritrea, east Africa in 1998, had suffered from hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy- a condition which forces the heart to work harder to pump
blood around the body.
Giving evidence, Dr Michael Heath said the condition, which is often
hereditary, had scarred the victim's heart, causing the fibres to
criss-cross.
He said Mr Kahsai's family should seek medical attention to confirm whether
or not they were also sufferers.
Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox said: “It is obviously essential that this
information should be passed on to them.”
She added: “He had obviously no past medical history although he had told a
friend before his death that he had once passed out while he was jogging.”
A verdict of death by natural causes was recorded.
Following the inquest, friends of Mr Kahsai paid tribute to a man they
described as “a very nice guy” who always looked after his health.
Yemane Tsegai said: “He had a good sense of humour. He enjoyed sport – he
used to go the gym every day.
“He was a very active person. He never ate junk food and he always used to
cook a home.”
Samson Isak, who knew Mr Kahsai for more than 30 years, added simply: “He
was a true friend.”
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Received on Fri Feb 24 2012 - 11:06:25 EST
