New sudden cardiac death database to save lives

"A database launched today will help identify the incidence and causes of sudden cardiac death and save the lives of people who may currently be at risk from the inherited heart condition that can strike without warning, the UK Department of Health announced today. Designed by pathologists and cardiologists, and funded by the Department of Health, the database will be a key tool in understanding the incidence and causes of inheritable conditions that can cause sudden cardiac death. Sudden cardiac death can happen unexpectedly in apparently fit and healthy people. The main cause for those under the age of 35 is an inheritable heart condition. The new database will help pathologists record cases referred to them by coroners. This information will ultimately allow doctors to understand better where and why these inheritable heart conditions are occurring, and so help save lives"