Sudden cardiac death
Sudden cardiac death occurring in a young person is a tragedy. It has devastating effects on families, friends and communities. Sudden cardiac death is an unexpected death from a cardiac cause in a previously healthy individual. In a proportion of sudden unexplained deaths an underlying cardiac cause is found after the death, but sometimes the cause of death remains unascertained, and is presumed to be due to a primary arrhythmia (abnormal rhythm) in the heart. Research continues to lead to expanding knowledge in this area, though there is still a long way to go in order to be able to identify those at risk of a sudden cardiac death.
Genetically determined cardiac conditions make up a sizeable proportion of the causes of sudden unexpected deaths in young people. Some of these conditions have been linked with specific genes which can be identified from a person’s DNA. Finding out the exact cause of the cardiac problem gives loved ones an answer and can also allow for genetic testing of close relatives, so that possible preventative medical treatments can be put in place.
Most young people are in peak health when a sudden cardiac event occurs. They are usually physically well, and going about their lives with the confidence in their bodies that young people should have. Whilst a sudden unexpected death can occur during exercise it is more usual for it to occur during sleep or periods of light activity. Centres of excellence in research in Australia continue to add important knowledge in this area, including the Centenary Institute in Sydney and Baker Institute in Melbourne.
Australian Sudden Cardiac Registry
The AuSCAA IMPROVE-SCA Sudden Cardiac Arrest Registry aims to better understand the causes of sudden cardiac arrest and identify gaps in care provided to individuals and their family members following sudden cardiac arrest. Recruitment sites are being established around the country, providing an opportunity for both survivors of sudden cardiac arrest and families who have lost a loved one to contribute to ongoing research in this area. By taking part, families can help build a better understanding of sudden cardiac arrest and help make a difference for other families facing similar experiences in the future. Your experience matters, and sharing it can help others.
You can register or find out more about this initiative at the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Registry
COPE-SCD
https://www.copescd.org.au/
This website is aimed at family and friends of someone who has passed away suddenly from a sudden cardiac death.
Centenary Institute research:
https://enduringhearts.org.au/supporting-research/
Genes made Easy
https://www.genesandhealth.org/genes-your-health/genes-made-easy
This site provides an explanation of genes, chromosomes and DNA, including a good YouTube representation of same.
Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome:
https://sadsuk.org.uk/
This is a U.K website that explains many of the medical aspects of sudden arrhythmic death (including all the different acronyms for this condition!)
Cardiovascular genomics and sudden cardiac death in the young
https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2019/march/cardiovascular-genomics-and-sudden-cardiac-death-i
This article has been written for an audience of GPs and is thus pitched for a medical readership, but may interest others as well
Response For Life
https://responseforlife.org.au/
This organisation aims to raise awareness of prompt CPR and defibrillation in order to prevents deaths from sudden cardiac arrests. The organisation was created in memory of loved ones lost to sudden cardiac deaths.