A 40-years old man died from a heart attack caused by biting his nails until they bled. John Gardener has this annoying habit for years and it has become so severe that biting his nails caused an infection that turned septic. The infection caused a heart attack and John died a few days after turning 40.
There were some information that John was treated for depression and anxiety which intensified his habit. He also suffered from diabetes.
John’s GP DR. Daniel Vernon explains that John’s nails were in a really poor condition, so much that he has lost sensations and feelings in them.
John’s mother, Jean Gardener claims that doctors could have done more to prevent her son’s death.
“It was such a tragedy, we’re all in shock. It’s really hit our family hard, there could’ve been more done to help him. I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else’s son – it’s just devastating,” said Jean.
John’s GP, Dr Vernon said: “John’s nails were always in poor condition and they were often bleeding when he came to the doctors.”
John even underwent surgery to remove the tip of his finger nails a week before he was admitted into the hospital.
John’s condition was monitored and he showed signs of improvement.
The orthopedic surgeon that worked on John’s surgery said that he was shocked when he heard about John’s sudden death.
“The passing of John Gardener was really upsetting and shocking for all of the team.”
In 2011, John got his lower left leg amputated after getting leg ulcers caused by his diabetes.
A spokesman from the hospital where John was admitted and passed away said:
“We always strive to provide safe, effective and compassionate care to all patients. It is clear from the evidence given at the inquest that John received a high standard of treatment throughout the time he was under our care.”
The coroner Alan Walsh said: “This is a death of great sadness to everybody – his death happened so suddenly. I believe John had a difficult life after being diagnosed with diabetes at just 10 months old and not only this, he had to come to terms with self-injecting himself twice a day. And then he had problems with leg ulcers and problems after surgery because of this.”