The loss of a child who was healthy one minute and passes away suddenly and silently the next is a shocking and painful experience from which family and friends never truly recover. Due to the silence of Sudden Cardiac Death in Australia this blog has been established in the memory of the precious young lives that have been lost but could have been saved through awareness and preventative strategies.
Answers as to why these deaths occurred do not come easily – it’s like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. Hopefully we will provide answers to families as to why their loved one was taken so suddenly, some of whom who have borne the burden of not knowing why for decades.
Another aim is to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death in young people in order to prevent other families from the grief of this National silent tragedy. Also to ask the Government why the silence when the prevalence of these deaths are known and why they have not taken preventative initiatives as taken in overseas countries.
So in the absence of any current Australian Government initiatives to raise awareness, this site will provide some information and strategies for parents and young adults that may offer some level of protection and a fighting chance against Sudden Cardiac Death.
At the very least it aims to offers awareness of the risks of Sudden Cardiac Death including symptoms (although often absent), the availability of 12 lead ECG testing and if necessary more comprehensive cardiac tests. Tests that are covered by the Medical Benefits Scheme and can be arranged by your local Doctor.
Sudden Cardiac Death can affect young ones from all walks of life with the genetic predisposition to a range of cardiac conditions. The gene can be passed on from a parent to the child or the gene mutation may first present in the young person. The problem is that most families affected by this tragedy did not know the risk of Sudden Cardiac Death as there was no known previous family history. Young Athletes who have undetected cardiac conditions are particularly at risk.
This is the horrendous tragedy of SCD from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – a scene that is played out in our schools and sporting fields. Scenes that will never be erased from those that witness the reality of SCD in a young person. WARNING – those that have experienced this tragedy should not view this.
SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH ROBS OUR YOUTH OF THEIR BASIC RIGHT TO LIFE – REMEMBER YOU DON’T SEE IT COMING AS IT IS MASKED BY A PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH.
