Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in the young (2y-50y) in Newfoundland & Labrador: 2009-2013

Abstract

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young people is a catastrophic event, in which many productive life-years are lost and often has a genetic etiology. Several recurrent mutations (due to founder effect) in multiple genes which cause SCD, have been identified in Newfoundland and Labrador population. In this project, all cases (2y-50y) reported to the Medical Examiner office between the years (2009-2013) inclusive were ascertained, and classified into SCDs and non-SCDs by the research team based on several pre-specified contributing factors. A total of 174 out of 545 Medical Examiner cases fulfilled the SCD criteria. The overall reported incidence of SCD was 11 per 100,000 person-years, the incidence increased with age and the majority of cases observed in men. By comparing our result with the reported incidence worldwide, a higher incidence was detected. Further studies in SCD project will investigate the genetic and non-genetic implications of SCD in Newfoundland and Labrador.