WIREDGOV

Men are more at risk of dying suddenly from cardiac arrest caused by irregular heart rhythms, according to a new report.

The National Audit of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) found that nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of deaths were in males. The average age of death was 33.

It's proved difficult to find out how many youngsters are dying of this devastating syndrome.

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: “This audit provides a welcome insight into SADS. It has proved extremely difficult to find out just how many youngsters are dying of this rare, but devastating, syndrome.

“Greater participation in audits of this type across the UK is required if we are to get a true picture of the scale of the problem.

“The real tragedy is that, even when a case of SADS is identified, coroners and their pathologists all too often fail to alert family members to the possibility that they might be at risk. This is a simple measure that could save another young life. If you have any questions about inherited conditions, the BHF provides a genetics information service to ensure affected families can receive prompt and expert guidance.”