1050845

Kerry Gray

Last updated 14/04/2008 14:55:13

Sudden Death Syndrome

It is often difficult to consider that someone who is apparently young and fit may be at risk.However, every week in the UK at least 8 apparently ‘fit and healthy' young people (aged 35 and under) die from undiagnosed heart conditions.

 

Sudden Death Syndrome is an umbrella term used for the many different causes of cardiac arrest in young people.   These conditions include thickening or abnormal structure of the heart muscle; and irregularities in the electrical impulses, which can upset the natural rhythm of the heart.

These conditions are sometimes also called Sudden Arrhythmia (or Adult) Death Syndrome – SADS.

 

CRY provides information on these conditions, on its websites http://www.c-r-y.org.uk/ and http://www.sads.org.uk/

Sporty youngsters stress their hearts the most. If they have an underlying cardiac abnormality they are more likely to be at risk. Sport itself does not lead to cardiac arrest but it can act as a trigger for a young person to die suddenly, by exacerbating an undetected condition.

The majority of young sudden deaths are due to inherited forms of heart muscle disorder and irregular heart beat.

 

What can we do?

There is a simple way to diagnose most of these abnormalities. This is by having an ECG   (electrocardiogram) test. The test is quick, painless and affordable. For extra clarity an echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) can be taken if necessary.

We recommend that screening is requested via your GP if there have been any young sudden deaths in the family, or if a young person is suffering from symptoms of:

• Chest Pain (Exercise related)
• Breathlessness
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Fainting

CRY offers subsidised screening (£35 for an ECG) to young people between the ages of 14 and 35. This is through a number of clinics in the UK – in Colchester, London and Belfast - and also a mobile screening service. More UK clinics are due to open in 2008. Information about these clinics is on the CRY website at www.c-r-y.org.uk/ecg.htm

For more information about CRY's Screening Programme, visit the CRY Centre for Sports Cardiology website at http://www.cry-csc.org.uk or call               0208 423 7200       

CRY has excellent support from the world of sport. CRY Patrons include former Rugby Union Internationals from Ireland - Gary Longwell; Wales - Rob Jones; Scotland - Gregor Townsend; and England - Rob Andrew and Simon Halliday.   Other CRY Patrons with sporting backgrounds include 5 times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave; former England cricketer Sir Ian Botham; former professional football players Pat Jennings, Ray Wilkins and Andy Scott; former British No.1 Tennis player Jeremy Bates; and former British swimmer Nick Gillingham.

CRY also boasts the support of other well-known celebrities, such as comedy actor David Walliams (of ‘Little Britain' fame); BBC Newsreader Emily Maitlis; and BBC Sports Presenter John Inverdale.

CRY provides a counselling service for families affected by young sudden cardiac death, and also offers support to young people diagnosed with a condition. Other CRY initiatives include donating medical equipment to hospitals and GP surgeries; contributing to medical research; raising awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome amongst medics, politicians and the general public; and funding a fast track expert cardiac pathology service for bereaved families.

You can find out more about the work of CRY at http://www.c-r-y.org.uk