Supporting Families. Saving Lives.
My nephew, Frankie, died at age 13 while running to the school bus one morning. My daughter was then diagnosed with LQTS & has been taking medication for several years. —Patti
remember
--Most cardiac problems that may cause sudden death in the young can be diagnosed and treated.
--With treatment, people with these conditions can have normal, productive lives.
--Most sudden cardiac deaths in children are due to hereditary conditions—so every family member should be tested.
--All children should have the questionnaire completed—and be checked by a doctor if they answer “yes” to any question—before they participate in organized sports.
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.
Is Your Child At Risk?
from sudden cardiac death
Your child or a young person you know may be at risk for sudden cardiac death due to an inherited condition. He/she will appear healthy and, in most cases, you will have absolutely no idea that something might be wrong. Once diagnosed, these conditions are treatable! about sudden cardiac death in the young:
1. You or your child’s doctor should fill out the questionnaire on the back of this form. If you answer yes to any of the questions, your doctor should check your child’s heart.
2. If your child has any of the following signs see your doctor
Warning Signs:
3. Ask your school or child’s sports association to make this questionnaire a mandatory for all kids before they participate in any active sport.
The life you save may be your child’s…or your own!
Parents, answer these questions (or have your child’s doctor help complete them) every few years at these times: preschool, before/during middle school, before/during high school and before participating in organized sports.
Patient History Questions:
Yes
No
Has your child fainted or passed out DURING exercise, emotion or startle?
Has your child fainted or passed out AFTER exercise?
Has your child had extreme fatigue associated with exercise (different from other children)?
Has your child ever had unusual or extreme shortness of breath during exercise?
Has your child ever had discomfort, pain or pressure in his chest during exercise?
Has a doctor ever ordered a test for your child’s heart?
Has your child ever been diagnosed with an unexplained seizure disorder?
Are there any family members who had an unexpected, unexplained death before age 50?
(include SIDS, car accident, drowning, others)
Are there any family members who died of heart problems before age 50?
Are there any family members who have had unexplained fainting or seizures?
Are there any relatives with certain conditions such as:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Aortic rupture or Marfan syndrome
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Long QT syndrome (LQTS)
Short QT syndrome
Brugada syndrome
Catecholaminergic ventricular tachycardia
Primary pulmonary hypertension
Pacemaker
Congenital deafness
Please explain more about any “yes” answers here:
If you answer yes to any of these questions, your doctor should check your child’s heart.
For more information or if you need a referral to a heart specialist, contact:
1-800-STOP SAD (www.StopSADS.org)
The life you save may be your child’s…or your own! Print this document: (PDF) (Word)