Gene Tests in Sudden Cardiac Death Victims Could Help Family

Genetic testing of people who have died suddenly of unexplained causes can help family members avoid a similar fate, a new study suggests. In contrast, the current recommendation is for first-degree relatives of the victim to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing.

Genetic defects that lead to sudden cardiac death occur in about 25 to 30 percent of victims of sudden unexplained death. Out of the 146 cases analyzed in the study, 40 of the victims had either a catecholaminergic polymorphic ventrical tachycardia mutation or a long syndrome QT mutation. Both can cause sudden death, and both can be detected through genetic testing.

The study also indicated that genetic testing was financially a better alternative than comprehensive cardiac testing. “With less than 150 sudden unexplained death cases, use of a cardiac channel molecular autopsy would be estimated to save almost $1 million indicating a much less expensive way of evaluating those left behind,” study co-author David Tester said in a news release.

AUTHOR: Annette Hulbert