Maya Angelou’s cause of death has long been a source of speculation, and while no one can know for certain what caused her death, evidence suggests that a variety of factors could have contributed. According to a press release from the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Angelou suffered from respiratory issues, heart failure, and a variety of other ailments that had been chronic throughout her life and eventually led to her death. Angelou had also suffered three heart attacks in the past and had been dealing with congestive heart failure due to her weight and smoking habits.
Furthermore, Angelou suffered from osteoarthritis and low blood pressure, and had been receiving medical care for a variety of ailments for several years. It is believed that the combination of these conditions, as well as her age, led to her death. In addition, she had contracted pneumonia in early 2014, which most likely played a role in her death.
Finally, Angelou was known to be a heavy smoker and drinker, and experts believe that these habits likely contributed to her death. In addition, she had a history of strokes and other problems with her cardiovascular system, which could have contributed to her death as well. All in all, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of death, as multiple factors could have played a role.
Environmental Factors
An environmental factor may have played a role in Angelou’s death as well. Angelou was known to have a passion for the outdoors, often spending time in the garden after writing a book. It’s possible that her exposure to chemicals used in the garden and other environmental pollutants could have contributed to her death.
In addition, Angelou was known to possibly carry a genetic predisposition to certain illnesses. This could have also played a role in her death, as her body may not have been equipped to fight off some of the ailments she was dealing with. Ultimately, it is impossible to know for sure.
Lastly, Angelou had a weakened immune system due to age, which could have made it somewhat easier for her to get sick or contract certain illnesses. This could have been a contributing factor in her death.
The Impact of Smoking and Drinking
Smoking and drinking likely had an impact on Angelou’s death, as well. Angelou was known to be a heavy smoker and drinker, and these habits could have weakened her body over time and made it more difficult for her to fight off illnesses. Smoking has been linked to a variety of ailments, including heart disease and stroke, as well as respiratory issues.
In addition, Angelou’s drinking may have had an effect on her health as well. Heavy drinking can lead to a number of different ailments and exacerbate existing medical conditions. Ultimately, it is impossible to know for sure how these habits contributed to her death.
Still, it is important to note that the impact of smoking and drinking on a person’s health can be significant. While it is impossible to pinpoint exactly what caused Angelou’s death, it is possible that her habits could have played a role.
Other Conditions
Angelou was known to suffer from a variety of other medical conditions, as well. She had a history of strokes and other problems with her cardiovascular system, and was also dealing with osteoarthritis and low blood pressure at the time of her death. All of these conditions could have had an impact on her death.
Angelou had also contracted pneumonia in early 2014, which could have further weakened her immune system and made it easier for her to succumb to illnesses. Additionally, she had suffered three heart attacks in the past and was receiving medical care for a variety of ailments for several years. These medical issues could have all played a role in her death.
The combination of Angelou’s existing medical conditions and lifestyle choices could have led to her death. Ultimately, it is difficult to pinpoint which of these factors contributed the most, but they could all have had an impact.
Medication
Angelou was known to take a variety of medications to treat her various ailments. It is possible that these medications had an impact on her death, as well. Some of the medications she was taking could have interacted with each other, leading to serious medical complications.
In addition, it is possible that her medications could have weakened her immune system, making it easier for her to get sick or contract certain illnesses. All of these factors could have played a role in her death.
The general consensus, however, is that a variety of factors likely contributed to her death. It is impossible to know for sure what exactly caused her death, but it is likely that her age, pre-existing medical conditions, and lifestyle choices all played a role.
Other Factors
Aside from the factors discussed above, a variety of other factors may have played a role in Angelou’s death. For instance, Angelou was known to have an extraordinary amount of stress in her life, due to her various commitments, the demands of her career, and her involvement in social causes. This stress could have weakened her immune system, making it more difficult for her to fight off illnesses.
In addition, Angelou was known to be very active in her later life, often traveling and engaging in physical activities. This could have taken a toll on her health, leading to the ailments she was dealing with at the time of her death.
Finally, Angelou dealt with periods of depression throughout her life, which could have weakened her immune system and impacted her overall physical health. It is clear that a variety of factors could have contributed to Angelou’s death, and it is impossible to know for sure what caused it.
