A new pan European[1] study released today[2] and funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), has identified an abnormality in the heart that will help predict those people who may be at risk from so-called sudden adult death syndrome (SADS).  

The lead researchers, based at Papworth Hospital near Cambridge, have found a way to predict whether an individual is at risk of SADS by measuring the amount of electrical ‘disorganization’ in the heart, which is closely linked to the lethal rhythms that cause sudden death. 

Studies have suggested that about 1 in 500 people in the UK suffer from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy which is one type of SADS and is the most common cause of tragic death in young athletes.

For the first time this research has found that identifying this type of electrical disturbance can help prevent SADS in people suffering from a range of different diseases including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Long QT Syndrome, where the heart may seem otherwise normal in routine tests.

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome or SADS occurs when the heart goes into ventricular fibrillation (VF) – more commonly known as a cardiac arrest - where the heart is unable to effectively pump blood round the body.  Until now it has been difficult to assess whether someone is at risk from SADS because there is little understanding of the mechanisms that cause VF.

The research paves the way for a new test that would be able to assess an individual’s risk from these lethal rhythms.  Some people who are identified as being at high risk from SADS could then be fitted with a device called an internal cardio defibrillator (ICD) which helps prevent SADS by giving the heart a kick-start.    

Dr Saumarez, Lead Researcher for the project, says:
“In the past the ways of telling whether someone was at risk from the onset of sudden death were very limited.  This new research identifies a mechanism by which SADS occurs that can be detected in patients at risk.  Equipment is under development that will identify people at risk from SADS and, if necessary, implant them with an ICD which will restore the heart back to its normal rhythm if it should go into cardiac arrest.” 

Professor Sir Charles George, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, says:   “This research is a significant step in the better understanding of SADS.  People suffering from SADS may not have any symptoms from the condition and a fatal cardiac arrest may be the first sign that it is present in a family.  In time this test could be used for such people and their relatives to determine just what their real risk is and help prevent further deaths in the family.”

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact Craig Haslop, Jo Hudson or Victoria Hodges at the British Heart Foundation on 0207 487 7172 or email: pressoffice@bhf.org.uk. For out of hours media enquiries please call 07764 290381.  The BHF has an ISDN line, please call to arrange an interview.

Notes to Editors

• The British Heart Foundation plays an important role in funding medical research.  It also funds education, both of the public and of health professionals, and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and patient care

Other BHF Press releases

29/04/04 Could remedies be making people victims of mystery heart killer?

28/03/03 Leading charity asks if mystery sudden adult deaths (SADS) could be just the ‘tip of the iceberg’