SADS Awareness Month
My friend had this on her blog to try and get the word out for her friends family who has this syndrome. Show your support for the many families who are dealing with SADS by reposting this on your blog cause you never know whos life you can save.
Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS)
Here are some eye grabbing facts to help you along...
• Each year in the United States, 400,000 Americans die suddenly and
unexpectedly due to cardiac arrhythmia's. 3,976 of them are young
people under age 35
• Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is 3 times more common than childhood
leukemia (ALL) in the US and occurs 1/3 as often as cystic fibrosis and
twice as often as PKU (an infant protein deficiency which causes
mental retardation)
• SADS occur in about 240 people per 100,000, with 20 having LQTS,
20 having ARVD and 200 with HCM
• 1 in 200,000 high school athletes in the US will die suddenly, most
without any prior symptoms
Hundreds of children and young adults die each year in the United States due to Long QT Syndrome.
Any young person who has experienced unexplained fainting should be tested.
It is extremely important that all family members be tested for these conditions once one family member is identified as having the condition.
SADS’ Mission: To save the lives and support the families of children & young adults who are genetically predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities.
Long QT Syndrome
(LQTS)
What is Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)?
1. LQTS is a disturbance of the heart's electrical system, causing an abnormality of the heartbeat, or rhythm of the heart.
2. Because of this abnormality, affected people are vulnerable to sudden fainting (syncope) and even death.
3. Unfortunately, many times the cause of the syncope is overlooked and the events are called simple fainting spells or seizures.
4. Most often, these events occur during physical exertion or emotional stress. In some they occur during sleep.
5. Fortunately, most of these deaths are preventable if the condition is recognized and treated.
What are the Symptoms?
♥ Fainting episodes (syncope) during or immediately after physical activity
♥ Fainting as a result of emotional excitement/distress/startle
♥ Family history of unexplained death below age 40
How is it Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made from an ECG that has been read by a cardiologist, not a computer. Usually a series of ECGs will enable your doctor to diagnose LQTS. In some cases, an exercise ECG or event monitor will clarify the diagnosis. Finally,a diagnostic genetic test is now available and is extremely useful for diagnosis and treatment.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment is very effective in the vast majority of patients. Medications called beta-blockers are effective in about 90% of patients. In the remaining cases, a pacemaker or automatic defibrillator is used.
A child should be seen by a doctor if she/he has:
• Family history of unexpected, unexplained sudden death in a young person
• Fainting (syncope) or seizure during exercise, excitement or startle
• Consistent or unusual chest pain and/or shortness of breath during exercise
Thank you to all who repost!
www.lissamousemm.blogspot.com
For more information contact...
Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) Foundation
508 East South Temple Suite 20
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
800-STOP SAD or 801-531-0937
Fax: 801-531-0945
www.sads.org
