How a life-changing cardiac procedure stopped Kirti worrying about her heart health. Kirti first felt a heart palpitation back in 2016 whilst out shopping. After delaying seeking specialist advice, she sought the expertise of Dr Mike Koa-Wing, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, in 2020 after the palpations got worse. Here Kirti shares her story.
Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS)
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Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we've supported almost 80,000 cardiac patients in the last three years, with a 99% survival rate for cardiac surgeries between 2020 and 2024. That means you can feel confident your heart is in expert hands.
Our consultants work as part of a dedicated team across our network of hospitals, ensuring you receive the most suitable and effective treatment. With five private inpatient hospitals and 15 outpatient and diagnostic centres, you'll have access to cutting-edge technology and specialised cardiac care perfectly tailored to your needs.
Our consultants work as part of a dedicated team across our network of hospitals, ensuring you receive the most suitable and effective treatment. With five private inpatient hospitals and 15 outpatient and diagnostic centres, you'll have access to cutting-edge technology and specialised cardiac care perfectly tailored to your needs.
Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) occurs when someone dies unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest, and no clear cause can be found, even though the heart appears healthy. It's often linked to cardiac arrhythmia, a disturbance in the heart's electrical activity that can cause it to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly.
Although SADS can affect young, seemingly healthy people, it’s rare. Many heart rhythm conditions can be safely managed with early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment.
Although SADS can affect young, seemingly healthy people, it’s rare. Many heart rhythm conditions can be safely managed with early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment.
As there is no obvious cause of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, there may be no symptoms prior to death. However, there are some common symptoms of the underlying conditions that can cause SADS. These include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fainting (syncope)
- Seizures
- Unusual breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Feeling light-headed
In many cases, the underlying cause of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome is hereditary. The typical cause of SADS is that an arrhythmia goes undiagnosed or untreated and leads to a cardiac arrest. If that proves fatal, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause because the heart will appear otherwise healthy when examined.
There are a few different conditions that can cause an arrhythmia that leads to SADS. These include:
There are a few different conditions that can cause an arrhythmia that leads to SADS. These include:
- Long QT syndrome
- Brugada syndrome
- Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT)
- Short QT syndrome
- Timothy syndrome
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
According to PubMed Central (PMC), sudden arrhythmic death syndrome is identified in around 1 in 25 cases of sudden cardiac death. This accounts for roughly 4% of cases where no clear cause for the cardiac arrest can be found.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) also reports that SADS affects around 500 people in the UK each year, highlighting the importance of greater awareness, early diagnosis and ongoing research into inherited and unexplained heart conditions.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) also reports that SADS affects around 500 people in the UK each year, highlighting the importance of greater awareness, early diagnosis and ongoing research into inherited and unexplained heart conditions.
Some arrhythmias that lead to sudden adult death syndrome can't always be prevented. But there are steps you can take to help reduce your risk. These include:
- Eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat to protect your heart
- Exercising regularly
- Giving up or limiting smoking
- Limiting your intake of alcohol
- Sleeping well
- Managing your stress levels
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
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Cardiac tests and scans at HCA UK
Fast access to cardiac diagnostics
There are several tests we can carry out to help us understand if you have a heart condition that could put you at risk of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. Your cardiologist may recommend one or more of these based on an initial physical examination, your symptoms, and your medical history.
Cardiac treatments at HCA UK
We treat more cardiac cases at HCA UK than any other private provider. Our expert surgeons have performed over 3,000 ablations and more than 2,000 cardiac surgeries in the last three years. We offer effective treatments for the underlying conditions that can lead to sudden adult death syndrome. Your specialist will tailor a personalised treatment plan to support your heart health.
- Medicines for heart health
- Electrical cardioversion
- A pacemaker
- An ICD
- Cardiac denervation
- Catheter ablation
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome FAQs
As with most medications and surgeries, there are some potential side effects associated with having treatment for the conditions that can cause sudden adult death syndrome. These include:
- Lethargy
- Stomach upsets
- Infection from surgical procedures
- Problems with the ICD or pacemaker working correctly
- Abnormal sweating or inconsistent temperatures in the face
No. A heart attack is caused by a blocked artery that affects blood flow to the heart muscle. SADS is due to a sudden fault in the heart's electrical system, causing it to stop beating unexpectedly and without warning.
While not all cases can be prevented, early diagnosis and treatment of underlying heart rhythm problems can significantly reduce the risk. Regular check-ups, family screening and monitoring of symptoms can all play an essential role in prevention.
SADS is rare but can affect young people, including seemingly fit and healthy athletes. In some cases, sudden cardiac arrest is the first sign of an underlying heart rhythm condition. Screening can help identify those at risk.
SADS often has no obvious warning signs, but symptoms can include fainting, dizziness, seizures, or palpitations – especially during exercise or emotional stress. If you or a family member experiences these, it's important to get checked.
Our patients' stories
Kirti's heart rhythm story
Treating Helaina's heart rhythm disorder
Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
How a valve replacement helped Steve breathe easy again
When Steve found out his breathlessness was caused by a narrowed aortic valve, he was terrified of the thought of the open-heart surgery that might be needed to treat it. But with the expertise of Professor Sagar Doshi at The Harborne Hospital, he learned he could have a ‘keyhole’ alternative called TAVI.
“I knew that if I wanted the best outcome, I needed to go to the best place. The Harley Street Clinic had outstanding ratings and some of the top cardiologists.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.