Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Capturing the Cardiac Injury Response of Targeted Cell Populations via Cleared Heart Three-Dimensional Imaging
08:14

Capturing the Cardiac Injury Response of Targeted Cell Populations via Cleared Heart Three-Dimensional Imaging

Published on: March 17, 2020

6.4K

Improving usual care after sudden death in the young with focus on inherited cardiac diseases (the CAREFUL study): a

Christian van der Werf1, Anneke Hendrix2, Erwin Birnie3

  • 1Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands c.vanderwerf@amc.nl.

Europace : European Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Electrophysiology : Journal of the Working Groups on Cardiac Pacing, Arrhythmias, and Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology
|April 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Sudden death (SD) in young individuals often stems from inherited cardiac diseases. Current autopsy and cardiogenetic evaluation rates are low, and interventions did not significantly improve this situation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Inherited cardiac diseases are a significant cause of sudden death (SD) in young individuals.
  • Autopsy and cardiogenetic evaluation of relatives are crucial for identifying at-risk family members.
  • Current practices for identifying inherited cardiac diseases after young SD are suboptimal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the usual care following sudden death (SD) in young individuals for identifying inherited cardiac disease.
  • To assess the effectiveness of two interventions aimed at improving autopsy rates and cardiogenetic referrals for young SD victims and their families.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based intervention study was conducted in the Netherlands involving young SD victims (ages 1-44).
  • Interventions included a 24/7 telephone line and website (Amsterdam) and letters with educational meetings (Utrecht) for general practitioners and coroners.
  • Two control regions monitored usual care; autopsy rates and cardiogenetic evaluations were compared across regions.

Main Results:

  • Autopsy was performed in 43.3% of 390 SD cases. Cardiogenetic evaluation was indicated in 75.9% of cases, but only 8.4% of families attended a clinic.
  • Intervention regions showed autopsy rates of 38.7% (Amsterdam) and 45.5% (Utrecht), compared to 49.0% in control regions.
  • Cardiogenetics clinic attendance was 7.3% (Amsterdam), 9.9% (Utrecht), and 8.8% (control), indicating no substantial improvement.

Conclusions:

  • The autopsy rate for young sudden death (SD) cases in the Netherlands is low.
  • A very small proportion of families with young SD undergo cardiogenetic evaluation to identify inherited cardiac diseases.
  • The implemented interventions did not lead to a significant improvement in autopsy rates or cardiogenetic evaluation for families affected by young SD.
Abstract

Keywords:
AutopsyEpidemiologyFamilyGeneticsPreventionSudden cardiac deathSudden deathSudden unexplained death syndrome

More Related Videos

Delayed Intramyocardial Delivery of Stem Cells after Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in a Murine Model07:50

Delayed Intramyocardial Delivery of Stem Cells after Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in a Murine Model

Published on: September 3, 2020

5.1K
Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model04:55

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model

Published on: May 26, 2023

1.5K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
793
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
711
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
803
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
1.5K
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
541
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
472