Investigation of the Family of Sudden Cardiac Death Victims

Sudden cardiac death in the young is a devastating event and a significant proportion of cases are caused by an underlying inherited cardiac condition. This justifies investigation of surviving blood relatives in order to identify a definite diagnosis and to prevent further deaths. First-degree relatives, obligate carriers, and symptomatic relatives are family members who are more likely to be affected and/or at risk and should be prioritized for evaluation. Cardiological clinical evaluation of family members is staged, less invasive investigations being first offered and more invasive tests being subsequently considered if a diagnosis is not made.

Source: Progress in Pediatric Cardiology - March 6, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Alban-Elouen Baruteau, Elijah R. Behr Tags: Review Source Type: research