Paul O'Grady's cause of death has been confirmed weeks after he passed away in his home in Kent at the end of March.
The television star's official death certificate - as obtained by The Express - states that the 67-year-old died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia, which was linked to ischemic heart disease.
The British Heart Foundation states that sudden arrhythmic death syndrome - otherwise known as SADS - is when a person dies suddenly after suffering cardiac arrest, and no clear or obvious cause can be found.
Read more: When was Paul O'Grady's For The Love of Dogs filmed? ITV show returns for final series
Cardiac arrest is also identified as when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood to vital organs and the rest of the body. Eventually, this will cause your breathing to shut down, and your brain will become starved of oxygen.
It is thought that the condition affects around 500 people across the United Kingdom each year - and according to Paul's death certificate, it was brought on by his coronary heart disease. This ensues when the arteries leading to the heart are narrowed, meaning that less blood and subsequently oxygen can reach the heart.
The certificate also showed that long-time friend and former PA and agent, Joan Marshrons, registered the entertainer's death six days after he died at home. She is also secretary for his Buster Productions TV company.
Paul's husband Andre Portasio paid tribute to Joan after his death, praising her as a "great woman". Taking to Instagram on April 2, the former professional ballerina wrote: "Behind every great man there is always a great woman. Today is Joan Marshron’s 70th birthday, the woman that for 27 years has been a pillar of trust, commitment, dedication and unconditional love in Paul O’Grady’s life."
Andre continued: "Please help me cheer the person that made everything happen behind the scenes."
Leading up to his sudden death, Paul had been throwing himself into work as much as ever, worrying those close to him. He was known to have suffered a series of health issues in the years before his death, including several heart attacks and a serious Covid infection.
Close friend of 40 years, Christopher Biggins, previously told the Mirror Paul was "like a teenager as far as his health was concerned - he didn't listen".
The 74-year-old recalled to The Sun: "About 15 years ago we were staying with Cilla in Spain. Paul had his heart problems already and had been told not to smoke or indulge in alcohol too much. She told me to go upstairs and tell him to stop. I felt like the matron from the Carry On films when I went into his bedroom and said: ‘Paul, you’re smoking.’ He looked at me and said: ‘No I’m not'."
Christopher added: "I know for a fact he was still smoking last week. What a wonderful way to go — peacefully in your sleep."
This week saw the final series of Paul O'Grady's For the Love of Dogs air on ITV, with the channel paying tribute to the late presenter. The first episode aired just weeks after his death and as the credits rolled in silence, ITV viewers were left in tears.
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