Sudden cardiac death

"Sudden cardiac death is defined as an event that is non-traumatic, non-violent, unexpected, and resulting from sudden cardiac arrest within six hours of previously witnessed normal health." (Sharma et al, 1997. Br J Sports Med)

The commonest cause of sudden cardiac death in older people is usually coronary artery disease (blocked arteries in the heart), whereas sudden cardiac death in young people (aged 35 or less) is usually due to inherited heart conditions that run in families. Sudden cardiac death can be a complication of some heart conditions - these conditions can cause thickening or abnormal structure of the heart muscle; or irregularities of the electrical impulses that upset the natural rhythm of the heart. Once a potentially life-threatening heart condition is identified, the risk of sudden death occurring can be significantly reduced through lifestyle modifications, medication or surgery.

Conditions which, if undetected, can lead to sudden cardiac death are listed here.

To reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death, CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research.
CRY supports those young people diagnosed with cardiac conditions; and offers bereavement support to families affected by young sudden cardiac death.
CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public.
CRY funds fast track services at the CRY Centre for Sports Cardiology, the CRY Centre for Cardiac Pathology and the CRY Inherited Cardiovascular Disease Clinic at leading London Hospitals.