SADS

Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS)

Young lives continue to be lost unnecessarily due to Long QT Syndrome and other genetic heart rhythm conditions that we call: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS).

 

Each year in the United States, 400,000 Americans die suddenly and unexpectedly due to heart rhythm problems.  An estimated 4,000 of them are young people under age 35 according to CDC Reports.  Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the top five leading causes of death in young adults. These children and young people usually appear healthy and normal-until they have an episode.  The good news is that early detection is possible, conditions are treatable and lives can be saved.

 

The goal of the SADS Foundation is to prevent the senseless deaths of more young people. 

 

Warning Signs of SADS:

  • Family history of unexpected, unexplained sudden death (including drownings, 'natural causes', and single-car accidents) in a young person under the age of 40
  • Fainting (syncope) or seizure especially during exercise, excitement or after being startled (loud noises, alarm clocks, doorbells)


If your child or loved one has these warning signs - take heed! SADS conditions can be inexpensively treated, and affected individuals can live and thrive with SADS conditions.


Parents and school personnel are encouraged to check to ensure that their school is ready to help a young person in a cardiac crisis.

  • Do all children with health/heart conditions have a care plan?
  • Does your school have an Emergency Action Plan that includes CPR/AED (Defibrillation) components?
  • Does staff know the warning signs and have a process to refer youth with warning signs for further evaluation by their physician?


About the SADS Foundation

The SADS Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 1991 with the sole mission of saving lives and supporting the families of children and young adults who are genetically predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities. The foundation facilitates medical decisions and early diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause sudden death by providing educational materials to more than 27,000 patients, doctors, and families around the world each year. In addition, the SADS Foundation encourages heart rhythm abnormality research and initiates public campaigns to increase the awareness about the warning signs of heart rhythm abnormalities that can cause sudden death.

 

Call 1.800.STOP.SAD visit the SADS Foundation website, join the Facebook Cause: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS)Foundation to see if you or your child is at risk.  You can also follow us on Twitter: SADSFoundation.