Nicholas Brendon, 'Buffy' Actor, Died at 54 of Atherosclerotic and Hypertensive Heart Disease

Nicholas Brendon died in March at age 54 from atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a coroner's report reviewed by USA TODAY. The report listed previous myocardial infarction and acute pneumonia as contributing factors. The manner of Nicholas Brendon's death was determined to be natural.

Brendon had 90% blockage in his right coronary artery. His longtime friend had been spending more time with him due to his declining health. The friend said Brendon had been having a persistent cough and had been self-medicating with over-the-counter medications.

The actor had also been complaining of chest pain but declined to go to a hospital when suggested by his friend. One person dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is caused by plaque buildup in the arterial walls, the American Heart Association said. ASCVD-related conditions are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in the arteries, according to the Mayo Clinic.

This buildup causes arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow and creating blood clots. Atherosclerosis usually does not have symptoms until an artery is clogged or narrowed. Hypertensive heart disease involves damage to the heart due to years of unmanaged or undermanaged high blood pressure, the Cleveland Clinic said.

Hypertensive heart disease can cause heart failure and raises the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. A Journal of the American College of Cardiology study found that 99% of the people who experienced a heart attack, stroke or heart failure had been exposed to at least one of four risk factors above an acceptable level.

The four risk factors are blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose or smoking.

Heart disease is at least 80% preventable, Dr. Karol Watson said. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 framework includes following a healthy dietary pattern, incorporating regular physical activity, quitting smoking, practicing good sleep hygiene, managing weight, and keeping an eye on blood cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Separately, a hantavirus outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde. Around 19 Britons were listed as passengers on the MV Hondius, with four British crew members. Two Britons who left the hantavirus-infected MV Hondius cruise ship early are self-isolating in the UK.

The two Britons who left the MV Hondius have not reported any symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency stated that the risk to the general public remains very low. UKHSA is supporting a small number of individuals identified as close contacts of those on the MV Hondius; they are self-isolating and none are reporting symptoms.

UKHSA is working with the FCDO, Home Office, and Border Force to trace individuals who may have been on the same flight as a confirmed hantavirus case. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the Government was taking the hantavirus outbreak incredibly seriously and working to support British nationals involved.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the hantavirus outbreak onboard the MV Hondius. It’s important to reassure people that the risk to the general public remains very low. We are standing up arrangements to support, isolate and monitor British nationals from the ship on their return to the UK and we are contact tracing anyone who may have been in contact with the ship or the hantavirus cases to limit the risk of onward transmission." — Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director for Epidemic and Emerging Infections at UKHSA Three suspected hantavirus case patients were evacuated from the MV Hondius and are on their way to receive medical care in the Netherlands. The MV Hondius is expected to arrive in the Canary Islands within 72 to 96 hours for controlled disembarkation. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that at this stage the overall public health risk remains low.”