SADS Foundation :: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation

sads mission

To save the lives and support the families of children young adults who are genetically predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities.

in the beginning

In 1991 a group of scientists headed by Drs. Michael Vincent and Mark Keating at the University of Utah isolated the chromosomal location for the first gene known to cause Long QT Syndrome. This was a landmark discovery in the study of unexplained sudden death in the young. This breakthrough confirmed suspicions that LQTS was more common than once believed. As doctors learned more about prolonged QT intervals, it became clear the syndrome was widely misunderstood, and often, misdiagnosed. The SADS Foundation was organized to implement widespread educational programs to make people aware of these conditions that can cause sudden death in the young and to provide support to people living
with the reality and risks of serious heart rhythm abnormalities. Your child should be seen by a doctor if she/he has:

• Family history of unexpected, unexplained sudden death in a young person
• Fainting (syncope) or seizure during exercise, excitement or startle
  
• Consistent or unusual chest pain and/or shortness of breath during exercise