Researchers in Denmark identified 470 victims of sudden cardiac death and followed their relatives for up to 11 years.
They found that relatives under 35 were three times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than the general population. Commenting on the report, Doireann Maddock, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Sudden cardiac death in the young is often linked to an inherited heart problem, so the findings of this study come as no surprise. Screening family members of sudden cardiac death victims is crucial, as it gives the best chance of identifying problems and offering treatment at an early stage. That is why we’ve been working with the Department of Health for many years to encourage coroners and their offices to help families to access essential genetic services.” The results of the report have been published in the European Heart Journal.
