New moves to help tackle sudden cardiac death in young people and improve services for people with conditions such as irregular heartbeats were recently announced by public health minister Melanie Johnson.

Government Response: Department of Health

Melanie Johnson, public health minister, said: "It is devastating for families when a young, apparently healthy person dies suddenly without warning.

"The majority of people with the underlying conditions do not have any symptoms for all or most of their life.  However, the condition can lead to sudden and unexpected death, often in early adulthood.

"It's vital that we attempt to understand this condition further.The new group that I'm announcing today will help both raise awareness and drive future policy.

"We've already shown our determination to tackle coronary heart disease through the publication of the National Service Framework (NSF).  The creation of this group to advise future policy on arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death progresses this work further.

"The prospect of a new NSF chapter setting out the standards and models of care for these conditions marks a major step forwards for cardiac patients in England.

"I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of organisations like CRY, the British Cardiac Society and Dari Taylor MP who have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the issue."

Forum Response: Cardiac Risk in the Young

Alison Cox, founder and chief executive of CRY, said: "I look forward to the opportunity the government is promising us - being able to influence change and save young lives. It is absolutely crucial that we keep the pressure up to maintain the focus on cardiac risk in young people. This is the basis of CRY's campaign."

Forum Response: BUPA

Katherine Miles, government affairs officer for BUPA, told ePolitix.com: "BUPA recognises the significant problem of sudden death in the young from a variety of cardiac disorders. We were pleased to hear that the government proposes to establish an advisory group on cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. In addition, we welcome the announcement that the government will fund a three year project run by CRY to offer specialist skilled support for those who have suffered the loss of a young family member through sudden cardiac death."