Showcase

‘In December 2008 our 15 year old granddaughter was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) to treat her cardiac condition (Long QT Syndrome). This condition does not discriminate - it can show at any age, at any time and it affects both sexes. Our son David died in 1979 whilst swimming. Years later my wife suffered a cardiac arrest and the Long QT Syndrome was diagnosed. Following this diagnosis, other members of the family were tested the Long QT Syndrome was found to be dominant in our family. I cannot stress enough how important it is for the possible hereditary nature of these conditions to be investigated. If my wife hadn't survived her cardiac arrest, and the condition identified in other family members, there could have been another sudden death in the family.'

My wife's survival is an example of why it is so important to have defibrillators readily at hand in the community.'

‘SADS UK donates defibrillators to the community and would like defibrillators on school premises. Last year a 36 year old teacher was saved by a defibrillator donated to his school by the charity.'

Barrie Irons, SADS UK

Priorities

Education and Information

SADS UK holds national annual conferences to update and inform people on conditions of the conduction system (electrics) of the heart. It is important that GPs, primary care personnel and the public understand the symptoms indicating abnormalities of the heart's conduction system, and their possible genetic implications. This allows appropriate diagnosis and timely treatment, which saves lives.

Provision of Cardiac Equipment
SADS UK :

  • donates heart monitors in primary care settings to enable the speedy assessment and referral of people with dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities to appropriate specialists.
  • donates event recorders and other ancillary equipment as requested by hospitals where shortfalls are identified.
  • provides automated external defibrillators (AEDs), together with training in communities and schools, to facilitate early defibrillation if cardiac arrest occurs on the premises.

Support

SADS UK provides support to families who have suffered a sudden and unexpected cardiac death within their family and to individuals and families living with abnormalities of the conduction system of the heart.

Research

We keep up to date with medical technology and advances in research.

Web: www.sadsuk.org

Email: sadsuk@btconnect.com

Tel: 01277 230642

Anne Jolly , Chief Executive, SADS UK, Suite 6 Churchill House, Horndon Pk, Station Road, West Horndon, Essex CM13 3XD