Paul O’Grady’s cause of death has been revealed after the Blind Date star died at home aged 67, Metro Uk reports.
The Lily Savage star, died ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ on March 28 in his ‘own bed’ with his husband Andre Portasio beside him.
‘He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion,’ Portasio said in a statement at the time.
Tributes poured in for the Love of Dogs star from leading figures in the entertainment world, including Sir Elton John, as well as from the royal family.
Paul O’Grady’s cause of death was not announced at the time but now it has been stated as sudden cardiac arrhythmia syndrome (SADS), according to Metro UK.
According to his death certificate obtained by the Daily Express, the syndrome was linked to the Blankey Blank host’s ischemic heart disease.
SADS is when someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest, but the cause of the cardiac arrest can’t be found, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Ischaemic heart disease is what happens when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries, the NHS states.
The government body adds that it is a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide.
O’Grady had previously spoken about suffering heart attacks, describing one of them as ‘like en earthquake’, and the history of heart disease in his family.
‘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.’