SADS Awareness Month
What Are SADS Conditions?
Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) are genetic heart conditions that can cause sudden death in young, apparently healthy people. The good news: with the right diagnosis and treatment, lives can be saved
Warning Signs
- 👩👧👦Family history of unexpected, unexplained sudden death under age 40.
- ⚡Fainting or seizure during exercise, excitement or startle.
- ❤️Consistent or unusual chest pain and/or shortness of breath during exercise.
These conditions include:
❤️ Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM, also known as ARVC)
❤️ Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)
🧬 Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation (IVF)
Fast Facts
👶 Each year in the U.S., more than 356,000 people die suddenly from cardiac arrest. About 7,000 are young people under age 18 — many due to these conditions.
⚡ Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in young people. Most children with these conditions appear healthy before their first event.
❤️ Most cardiac problems that may cause sudden death in the young can be diagnosed and treated. With treatment, people with these conditions can live normal, thriving lives.
🌲 Many of these conditions are inherited. If a child is diagnosed, every family member should be tested.
Take Action During SADS Awareness Month
This month is about more than awareness — it’s about hope, prevention, and support. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply learning more, the SADS Foundation is here for you.
How the SADS Foundation Can Help You
If you or a loved one has a genetic heart rhythm condition — or you suspect you might — we’re here to walk alongside you. We can:
- Provide guidance and partner with you in your medical journey.
- Connect you with expert physicians for your condition.
- Help you access low-cost genetic testing and counseling.
- Support you through one-on-one peer mentoring and support groups.
- Offer resources on mental health and grief.
- Connect you with cutting-edge research opportunities.
- Give you a community where you are seen, protected, and heard.
This awareness month is made possible in part by the support of the following corporate partners:
