Statistics

CRY aims to keep you in touch with recent developments in medical research in Sudden Cardiac Death/ Sudden Death Syndrome. Below are some of the core statistics influencing our aims.

• Accurate statistics are not available but experts estimate that up to 8 young people die suddenly each week in the UK of cardiac abnormalities - sudden death syndrome or sudden cardiac death.
  
• It is estimated, approximately 80% of all non-traumatic sudden deaths in young competitive athletes are due to inherited/ congenital structural or functional cardiovascular abnormalities. HCM accounts for 40-50% of all such deaths (Shama et al, Br J Sports Med).
  
• The majority of young sudden cardiac deaths are due to inherited forms of heart muscle disorder and irregular heart beat. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the most common of these conditions. Recent research in the USA by Dr Barry Maron shows that 1 in 500 people have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy( Maron, 1995, Circulation).
  
• In the UK unexplained 'sudden death,' where there is no cause identified, is frequently classified as due to natural causes. Experts believe that the majority of these deaths are due to Sudden Death Syndrome or Sudden Cardiac Death. Until the law is changed and coroners have to refer hearts on to specialists we cannot find the true statistics.
  
• A national programme for systematic pre-participation screening of all young competitive athletes has been in place in Italy since 1971. Recent Research there confirms that ECG Testing is the most cost effective way to test for cardiac abnormalities (Corrado et al, 1998, New England Journal of Medicine August 6 1998). A competitive athlete was defined as a participant in an organised sports programme requiring regular training and competition. (Thus school children would be included in the programme).
  
• Italian law requires every athlete to have an annual 'Fitness Certificate' before they are permitted to participate in any event. Sports Clubs and Schools have to take responsibility for their students fitness to participate. One pathologist, Gaetano Thiene, resolutely collated all statistical data on sudden death in young people in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, and as a result of his research he discovered that cardiovascular screening was effective in identifying individuals at risk. (Corrado et al, 1998, New England Journal of Medicine August 6 1998)
  
• Sudden death is defined as unexpected death occurring as a result of natural causes in which loss of all functions occurred instantaneously or within six hours of the onset of symptoms or collapse. (Shama et al, Br J Sports Med)
  
• Those sufferers with symptoms are considered to be the 'lucky ones', as once cardiac conditions are recognised, precautions can be taken, and much can be done to prevent complications and sudden death.