Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, commonly known as SADS, is a rare but serious condition in which someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly, with no clear cause found after a post-mortem examination. The NHS has a full list of advice and guidance for the condition, with estimates it affects around 500 people in the UK each year.
SADS has recently been brought into focus following the death of Alex Hughes, the 38-year-old son of former Manchester United and Wales footballer Mark Hughes. Alex collapsed at his home in Cheshire on June 19, with an inquest later hearing his cause of death was Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome – often referred to as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome – and that it was from natural causes. SADS is particularly associated with sudden death in younger people and can be difficult to identify beforehand because some underlying inherited heart conditions cause few or no symptoms. The NHS says some people with inherited arrhythmia conditions may only discover they have a problem after an ECG or following an episode such as fainting.
There are symptoms that can occur in people with the inherited heart conditions associated with SADS. However, experiencing one of these symptoms does not mean someone has SADS, and some people with potentially serious inherited conditions may have no symptoms at all.
Symptoms and warning signs to be aware of – full list
- Heart palpitations – an unusually noticeable heartbeat that may feel fast, pounding, fluttering or irregular
- Dizziness or light-headedness – this can occur alongside an abnormal heart rhythm
- Fainting or blackouts – known medically as syncope, this can sometimes be associated with an abnormal heart rhythm
- Seizures or fits – some inherited rhythm conditions can cause these, particularly when an episode is associated with loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath – this can occur with some heart rhythm disorders and inherited cardiac conditions
- Chest pain or discomfort – this can accompany some heart problems, although it is not specific to SADS
Having one of these symptoms does not mean someone has SADS or an inherited heart condition. NHS guidance states that symptoms such as palpitations and dizziness can have many causes, while some people with potentially dangerous inherited conditions have no symptoms at all.
SADS can be linked to several inherited arrhythmia syndromes, including long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Some cardiomyopathies can also be associated with sudden cardiac death.
Family history is particularly important because many of the inherited conditions linked to SADS can run in families. The NHS advises taking a detailed family history of unexplained sudden deaths and inherited cardiac conditions, while relatives may be offered assessment or genetic testing where an inherited cause is suspected.
Anyone experiencing recurring palpitations, dizziness or fainting should seek medical advice, particularly if there is a family history of sudden unexplained death or an inherited heart condition. The NHS says you should call 999 if someone is not breathing normally, is unresponsive or is experiencing a cardiac arrest, while urgent medical help is recommended for certain symptoms such as palpitations accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness or fainting.
The important point is that SADS is not a symptom that can be diagnosed from a list alone. Investigations such as an ECG and specialist cardiac assessment may be needed to identify an underlying rhythm disorder, and finding an inherited condition can allow relatives to be assessed and, where appropriate, treated to reduce the risk of serious complications.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
