Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS)

SADS-এর কারণ কী?

SADS সাধারণত তখনই ঘটে, যখন হৃদযন্ত্রে হঠাৎ করে বিপজ্জনক ছন্দের গোলমাল দেখা দেয়। একে বলা হয় প্রাণঘাতী অ্যারিদমিয়া। হৃদস্পন্দন নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে যে বৈদ্যুতিক ব্যবস্থা, সেটিতে কোনো ত্রুটি থাকলে এ ধরনের ছন্দের সমস্যা হয়।

অনেক ক্ষেত্রেই ছন্দের এই গোলমালের পেছনে যে রোগটি লুকিয়ে থাকে, তা বংশগত। বংশগত হৃদরোগ বলতে এমন কিছু রোগকে বোঝায়, যেগুলো পরিবারের ভেতরেই চলতে থাকে এবং বাবা-মার কাছ থেকে সন্তানের মধ্যে চলে আসে।

মুশকিলটা হলো, বংশগত হৃদরোগ আছে এমন কিছু মানুষের শরীরে কোনো উপসর্গই থাকে না। এ কারণেই অনেক পরিবার জানতে পারে না যে তাদের রক্তের ধারায় বংশগত হৃদরোগ রয়েছে; হঠাৎ মৃত্যুতে প্রিয় কোনো মানুষকে হারানোর পরই তারা বিষয়টি টের পায়।

How is SADS diagnosed?

If a death is sudden or unexplained it must be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). They have responsibility for investigating all sudden or unexplained deaths.

Sometimes COPFS may need to arrange a fuller investigation. They may organise a post-mortem examination or ask the police to make enquiries. Sometimes they’ll need to do both.

A post-mortem is when a pathologist examines the body to find out why someone died.

The pathologist will give COPFS a report with their findings. A Victim Information Officer (VIA officer) from COPFS will then contact the person’s relatives. They’ll provide information on the next steps.

A death may be labelled as SADS when the cause of death is still uncertain after a post-mortem has taken place. This is because some inherited heart conditions can’t be seen during a post-mortem as the heart will look normal. These inherited heart conditions are called channelopathies.

The death investigation process

Watch this video from the COPFS for more information on the death investigation process.

Genetic testing

A pathologist may recommend genetic testing if they find that the death was caused by a heart condition that may be inherited. They may also recommend it if they can’t find a cause of death.

A small sample of tissue (usually 2cm of spleen) may be stored during the post-mortem for genetic testing.

Family members may be referred to a local inherited heart conditions service. They’ll review if genetic testing is needed and personalise it to your family’s needs.

The Network for Inherited Cardiac Conditions Scotland (NICCS) has further information on genetic testing and inherited heart conditions.

Sudden cardiac death

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an umbrella term for all sudden, unexpected deaths that are due to heart problems.

SADS falls into this category along with other sudden deaths where a heart problem is found during the post-mortem. For example, a blockage in an artery or a change in the structure of the heart.

Unascertained death

Sometimes a death may be recorded as ‘unascertained’ when the cause of death isn’t clear.

The pathologist may still recommend extra tests for inherited heart conditions if the cause of death is ‘unascertained’.

Where to get support

The news of a sudden death is traumatic. It’s hard to come to terms with and you may feel strong emotions like grief, anger and disbelief.

You get support and information from:

• Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) – provide help to families after the sudden cardiac death of a young person
• The British Heart Foundation – provide information for anyone who has lost a loved one
• Sudden Arrhythmic Death UK – support anyone affected by cardiac arrest, cardiac conditions or sudden cardiac death
• Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland – provide support to anyone who has performed CPR or has seen someone receiving CPR
• Cruse Scotland – provide support for bereaved adults, children and families across Scotland

Further information and support on death and bereavement

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