It's SADS Awareness Month!- Please Read This Post!

So as most know my family and children have been blessed with a genetic heart condition called Pro Long QT Syndrome. Well September is Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) Awareness month. This is a very common undiagnosed syndrome that is also known as "The Silent Killer". So here it is! This is something near and dear to my heart and I would love to get the word out to as many people as I can! So if you love me you will copy this post and re-post on your blog with your own little ditty and ask all your friends to do the same thing! I know it sounds silly and lame but we do this with chain crap all the time, but this time it could save someones life!

So please help me for my cause! Thank you and I love you!

Here are some eye grabbing facts to help you along...

• Each year in the United States, 400,000 Americans die suddenly and
unexpectedly due to cardiac arrhythmia's. 3,976 of them are young
people under age 35

• Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is 3 times more common than childhood
leukemia (ALL) in the US and occurs 1/3 as often as cystic fibrosis and
twice as often as PKU (an infant protein deficiency which causes
mental retardation)

• SADS occur in about 240 people per 100,000, with 20 having LQTS,
20 having ARVD and 200 with HCM

• 1 in 200,000 high school athletes in the US will die suddenly, most
without any prior symptoms

Hundreds of children and young adults die each year in the United States due to Long QT Syndrome.
Any young person who has experienced unexplained fainting should be tested.
It is extremely important that all family members be tested for these conditions once one family member is identified as having the condition.
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.
Long QT Syndrome
(LQTS)
What is Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)?
1. LQTS is a disturbance of the heart's electrical system, causing an abnormality of the heartbeat, or rhythm of the heart.
2. Because of this abnormality, affected people are vulnerable to sudden fainting (syncope) and even death.
3. Unfortunately, many times the cause of the syncope is overlooked and the events are called simple fainting spells or seizures.
4. Most often, these events occur during physical exertion or emotional stress. In some they occur during sleep.
5. Fortunately, most of these deaths are preventable if the condition is recognized and treated.
What are the Symptoms?
♥ Fainting episodes (syncope) during or immediately after physical activity
♥ Fainting as a result of emotional excitement/distress/startle
♥ Family history of unexplained death below age 40
How is it Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made from an ECG that has been read by a cardiologist, not a computer. Usually a series of ECGs will enable your doctor to diagnose LQTS. In some cases, an exercise ECG or event monitor will clarify the diagnosis. Finally,a diagnostic genetic test is now available and is extremely useful for diagnosis and treatment.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment is very effective in the vast majority of patients. Medications called beta-blockers are effective in about 90% of patients. In the remaining cases, a pacemaker or automatic defibrillator is used.
A 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

Thank you to all who repost!
www.lissamousemm.blogspot.com

For more information contact...

Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) Foundation
508 East South Temple Suite 20
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
800-STOP SAD or 801-531-0937
Fax: 801-531-0945
www.sads.org