Comment by dredmorbius

I'm not arguing the fall is proof of heart disease. That's a misreading of my comment.

Atkins is reported to have suffered cardiomyopathy -- a virally-induced form of heart disease -- by Dr. Stuart Trager, chairman of the Atkins Physicians Council:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/11/nyregion/just-what-killed-...

I'm somewhat familar with the particulars of the story and debate over Atkins' perceived or claimed health or disease, and the disagreements over both arguments. I'm not taking a particular side.

But (as I've just commented to another response to my parent remarks above): yes, sick, frail, diseased, elderly people are more prone to falls than those who are well, strong, healthly, and young. And those falls can be fatal.

Hence: heart disease can be a contributing factor to slipping on ice (or the resultant injuries and outcome).