Prevention is Better Than Cure: Sudden Adult Death Syndrome

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome is a term that is often heard, but very few people actually know what it is or what it involves. Put simply, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) is a sudden cardiac death of a young person who seems to be fit and healthy.

In Ireland, the term has unfortunately become synonymous with GAA players and other people heavily involved in sports. While there are no solid statistics for SADS in Ireland, experts estimate that at least one young Irish person under the age of 35 dies suddenly each week.

The disturbing thing about SADS is that many of its victims are happy, active young people who have  no symptoms whatsoever before they die. SADS can happen anywhere at any time and it can affect people from all age groups, both adults and children.

So what exactly is SADS, who is most at risk and how can it be prevented? We attempt to answer the following questions here.

Cardiac screening can help to prevent SADS.

What is SADS?

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome is the sudden cardiac death of a fit and healthy young person. Usually the person has no symptoms prior to their collapse, and according to reports, most SADS cases occur when the person is doing something active, like sports training or running.

It sounds scary! Who is most at risk from this illness?

Unfortunately if someone in your immediate family has died from SADS, there is a high chance that you (or your relatives) could be at risk of having an SADS attack.

Aside from that, it can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, height or gender. It can also happen to people who have never had any symptoms of heart disease or heart issues

But are there any warning signs?

No, there are not. SADS happens suddenly and generally without any kind of forewarning or symptoms. Some health experts believe that fainting spells can be a sign, however this remains unproven.

So how can we prevent it?

Cardiac screening can play a huge role when it comes to preventing SADS, and in Ireland, Heart Aid provides mobile cardiac screening to sports clubs, schools and organisations.

If someone within your family dies from SADS, it is important that the rest of the family gets checked. In Ireland, there is a Family Heart Screening Clinic at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

Prevention is always better than cure, but make sure your family is covered for any health issues that may arise – Check out GloHealth for a variety of personalised packages to suit the needs of your family, like money back for SAD screening on the Sports Cover Package.