Can Sudden Cardiac Death Risk in the Young be Identified in the Emergency Department?

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death in the young is devastating for the family and the community. Although it has diverse etiologies, many are inherited. Discovering the disease in 1 patient offers the chance to save otherwise asymptomatic family members. Although some diseases can be discovered during autopsy, others require electrocardiograms for diagnosis, making it difficult to estimate the prevalence of disease and cause of death. Careful assessment of the history of present illness, family history, and electrocardiogram can guide clinical teams toward sometimes rare and difficult diagnoses. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the bench to bedside diagnosis of inherited dysrhythmia syndromes, which if missed on first presentation to the emergency department, have significant implications for the patient and the entire family.

Keywords: Emergency; Preventative medicine; Sudden cardiac death.