Dr. Jonathan Rich, a cardiologist, testified Monday (4/12) he found no evidence that the primary cause of Floyd's death originated in his heart.
Rich said he reviewed Floyd's autopsy results. He said he noted that Floyd's arteries were narrowed due to coronary artery disease, but said none were blocked completely. He said he found no evidence of blood clotting or platelets that would cause a heart attack. Rich said the inner lining of Floyd's heart showed no damage at all, which would be present if he had a heart attack.
He said he believed Floyd's heart was mildly thickened, an expected finding in someone with high blood pressure.
Rich also said he does not believe Floyd's death was caused by drugs.
"As far as I can tell from reviewing all the facts of the case, I see no evidence at all to suggest a fentanyl overdose caused Mr. Floyd's death," Rich said.
He said Floyd had developed a tolerance to the drug as a chronic user. Rich also said he didn't see any signs of an opiate overdose in the video, because Floyd was alert, awake and talking. Likewise, Rich said he felt "very confident" that the low level of methamphetamine in Floyd's system did not trigger his death.
Rich testified he believed Floyd's death was "absolutely preventable." He said had the officers re-positioned Floyd or rolled him on his side, that "very likely could have saved his life." Rich said he heard an officer ask Chauvin if Floyd should be turned onto his side, and the response was "No, just leave him." Once officers couldn't find a pulse, Rich said, officers should have both relieved the restraint and started CPR. Floyd's chances of survival would be reduced with each minute that passed without the application of chest compressions, Rich said.
By the time paramedics arrived, "I think any chance of meaningful survival was unfortunately very low."
Rich said he believed Floyd would have lived had it not been for Chauvin's restraint.
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