Ozzy Osbourne’s cause of death has been confirmed—but what is an acute myocardial infarction? 

It was one of three things listed on the 76-year-old Black Sabbath rocker’s death certificate, which was released yesterday afternoon. 

The document cited out of hospital cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease, and Parkinson’s disease with autonomic dysfunction as the dad-of-five’s cause of death.

An acute myocardial infarction is a medical term for a heart attack, and in Mr Osbourne’s case it was connected to coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease is when fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the arteries. 

This substance can narrow the arteries—a process called atherosclerosis—which reduces blood flow and increases the risks of heart attacks. 

Furthermore, chunks of this plaque, which is made predominantly of cholesterol and other fat cells, can break off and cause obstructions, which can also trigger a heart attack if it affects the blood’s movement through the body. 

Out of hospital cardiac arrest refers to falling ill outside of hospital—in Mr Osbourne’s case he became unwell while at home—and according to the British Heart Foundation, this is a medical emergency which fewer than 1 in 10 people survive. 

The Black Sabbath star died aged 76 at his Buckinghamshire estate 

Mr Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, and autonomic dysfunction refers to bodily functions which are affected by the condition. 

The British Heart Foundation claims that in the UK, coronary heart disease—which includes heart attacks—is the cause of 66,000 deaths each year.

This translates to roughly 180 deaths per day, or one death every eight minutes.

In England and Wales alone, over 55,000 deaths were attributed to coronary artery disease—also referred to as ischemic heart disease—in 2019. 

While Parkinson’s Disease itself doesn’t kill, studies have linked it to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease—including coronary artery disease. 

This is because Parkinson’s affects people’s ability to walk and move around, making it near impossible for them to maintain a basic level of fitness, which keeps the vascular system healthy and functioning. 

His passing came just weeks after he appeared on stage for his farewell concert at Villa Park stadium in his native Birmingham.

Due to Parkinson’s-related mobility issues, he performed while seated on a giant black throne. 

Due to mobility issues caused by Parkinson’s Disease, Ozzy performed seated on a throne

His grieving widow, Sharon, and two of his kids, Jack and Kelly, visit tributes in Birmingham

The concert, three weeks before his death, saw him reunite with his original Black Sabbath bandmates for the first time since 2005.

More than 42,000 fans packed into the venue for the Back To The Beginning show, during which he told the crowd in his final speech: ‘You’ve no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart.’

There were more than 5 million sign-ups to the concert’s livestream, too. 

The concert raised £140 million for charities close to Mr Osbourne’s heart, Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorn Children’s Hospice. 

In a statement shared last month, Ozzy’s family said he died ‘surrounded by love’, adding: ‘It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning.’

Mr Osbourne passed away on July 22 surrounded by his family at his Buckinghamshire Estate, where he was subsequently laid to rest last week.

The private funeral was attended by his family and a host of rock royalty.  

His widow Sharon, 72, and their children, Aimee, Kelly and Jack, were joined by stars including Marilyn Manson and Ozzy’s lead guitarist Zakk Wylde during the event at the family’s 250-acre estate.