Study uncovers novel genetic variation linked to increased risk
of sudden cardiac arrest A study by a global consortium of
physician-scientists has identified a genetic variation that may
predispose people to double the risk of having a sudden cardiac
arrest, a disorder that gives little warning and is fatal in
about 95 percent of cases. Although previous, smaller studies
have identified some genes with a potential association with
sudden cardiac arrest, this is the first study large enough to
enable scientists to apply results to the general population.
Findings are published today by the Public Library of Science
(PloS Genetics). "We are at the beginning of unraveling the
mystery of what causes sudden cardiac arrest and how to prevent
it," said senior author Sumeet S. Chugh, MD, associate director
of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and a specialist in cardiac
electrophysiology. "If we wait until someone has a sudden
cardiac arrest, it is usually too late for treatment. That is
why knowing who is geneticall