Plötzlicher Herztod junger Patienten

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young patients (<45 years of age) is a rare event. However, it is particularly tragic as it affects active and often otherwise healthy individuals. Furthermore, SCD may unmask an underlying congenital structural disease or channelopathy. The leading cause of SCD is coronary artery disease; however, the likelihood of an underlying congenital cardiac disease is higher in young individuals. Each SCD should therefore initiate a thorough work-up of an underlying cardiac cause, which should ideally include a molecular autopsy. Familial screening should also be initiated if a physician is years later confronted with a history of SCD in a young patient. The common aim is to prompt identification of affected family members, to include the patient in regular cardiological follow-up and if indicated to initiate prophylactic therapy to prevent further SCD. This current issue on hereditary cardio(myo)pathy will cover the main topics on familial diseases. In addition the role of molecular autopsy and molecular genetic screening is discussed.

Automated mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices versus manual chest compressions in the treatment of cardiac arrest: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing machine to human

“…In younger patients, ion channel disease, hereditary cardiomyopathies and myocarditis are frequent causes of sudden cardiac arrest. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Reflecting this special group, sudden cardiac arrest is a vast socioeconomic burden, as these patients are at the height of their careers. With the progress of modern medicine, even elderly or handicapped people have the potential to recover from an incident with a good quality of life.…”