What is sudden adult death syndrome?
Could Knowing Your Family History Save Your Life?
Many of us know our family history of diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure. But do you know if heart conditions run in your family?
Recent reports about Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) have highlighted that some people can have a hidden heart condition without knowing it. In some cases, the first sign of a problem can be a sudden cardiac arrest. [theconversation.com]
What is SADS?
SADS stands for Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. It happens when a person dies suddenly from a problem with the heart’s electrical system, even though the heart may look normal during a post-mortem examination. [theconversation.com]
Think of the heart like a house. The structure of the house may be perfect, but if the wiring fails, everything stops working.
Hidden Heart Conditions
Some inherited conditions can affect the heart’s electrical signals:
- Long QT Syndrome: the heart takes longer than normal to reset between beats.
- Brugada Syndrome: a hidden fault in the heart’s electrical system can cause dangerous irregular heartbeats.
- CPVT: exercise, excitement or stress can trigger dangerous heart rhythms in people with this condition. [theconversation.com]
These conditions can run in families and may not cause obvious symptoms. [theconversation.com]
Know the Warning Signs
Speak to your GP if you experience:
- Unexplained fainting or blackouts
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Collapse during exercise
It is especially important to seek advice if there is a family history of heart problems or sudden, unexplained death. [theconversation.com]
Get Your NHS Health Check
If you are aged 40 to 74, you may be entitled to a free NHS Health Check.
While an NHS Health Check may not identify every inherited heart condition, it is a good opportunity to:
- Discuss your heart health
- Tell your GP about your family history
- Understand your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Get advice on staying healthy
A Simple Conversation Could Save a Life
If a close family member has had a heart condition, an unexplained collapse, or died suddenly at a young age, don’t keep that information to yourself. Tell your GP.
Early testing and specialist support can help identify people at risk and, in some cases, prevent future tragedies. [theconversation.com]
If you’re eligible for an NHS Health Check, book one today. Knowing your family history and talking about it with a healthcare professional could make all the difference. 💙