More Study Findings
March 1, 2001--
A landmark study released today shows for the first time that more and more young people are dying from cardiac arrest
News Specialist Stacey Butler explains the disturbing new research.
Sudden Cardiac Deaths are more common among young men and especially young women, than you may think.
And when the actual cardiac arrest strikes, it comes without warning.
It is often the first and last sign there's a problem.
Jennifer Chavez/Predisposed to Sudden Cardiac Death: "IT'S VERY SUDDEN. YOU HAVE SOMEBODY AND THEN YOU DON'T."
Five years ago Jennifer Chavez's sister went into cardiac arrest.
She was only fourteen.
Jennifer Chavez: "MY SISTER NEVER HAD ONE SYMPTOM BEFORE IT HAPPENED, IT WAS JUST SUDDEN AND SHE WAS GONE."
No one knew it at the time, but Jennifer's sister had an arrhythmia or irregular heart beat that made her susceptible to sudden cardiac death.
Doctors then discovered the potential for the same arrhythmia in Jennifer, her mother and her daughter.
Now, both mother and daughter avoid exercise for fear of triggering Sudden Cardiac Death.
Alexis Chavez/Predisposed to Sudden Cardiac Death: "ANYTIME, IT CAN SNAP AND THEN I CAN LOSE MY LIFE."
Jennifer and her daughter, Alexis, are on medication.
Their doctor, Michael Vincent at LDS Hospital, has developed a program for identifying the often overlooked cardiac deaths among young people.
Dr. Michael Vincent/Cardiologist, LDS Hospital: "DOCTORS THAT CARE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TO BE A LOT MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS CONDITION."
Researchers analyzed death certificates from 15- to 34- year-olds and determined that adolescent and young females saw a 30% increase in Sudden Cardiac Death in an eight year period.
But a big question still remains.
What exactly causes Sudden Cardiac Death?
The study suggests high fat diets, and while Dr. Vincent agrees, he has another theory.
Dr. Michael Vincent: "MANY DRUGS ARE MARKETED NOW TO YOUNG PEOPLE, THAT CAUSE ARHYTHMIAS."
Drugs like the antibiotic Erythromyacin, some antidepressants, and others.
Dr. Michael Vincent: "IT'S A VERY BIG ISSUE RIGHT NOW, ONE OF NATIONAL ATTENTION."
Doctors say if you think you may be susceptible to Sudden Cardiac Death, there are some tests you should undergo.
Your doctor can test you for an abnormal rhythym, and you may want to take a stress test.
You should also consider any family history of cardiac problems.
More Study Findings
