SADS

Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) is a term used to describe sudden death due to cardiac arrest, particularly in those who are relatively young and without any obvious cause of death. SADS can be caused by a variety of heart conditions, many of which are genetic.

Causes

The most common causes of SADS are cardiac arrhythmias, specifically those that affect the electrical system of the heart. These can include conditions such as Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Other potential causes can include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Symptoms

Symptoms of the conditions that can lead to SADS can vary widely, but may include fainting, palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. However, in many cases, there may be no symptoms prior to the sudden cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the conditions that can lead to SADS typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and genetic testing.

Treatment

Treatment for the conditions that can lead to SADS typically involves managing the underlying heart condition. This can include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical procedures such as the implantation of a cardiac defibrillator.

See also

• Cardiac arrest
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Sudden cardiac death

SADS Resources
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