Study sheds light on heart disorder

New research from the Medical Center on a serious heart-rhythm disorder, Long QT Syndrome, points to an individual's own characteristics as the best indicator of risk for sudden death. The research findings contradict previous assumptions that the death of a family member increased risk of sudden death to parents, siblings, or children in the same family.

Long QT Syndrome afflicts about 25,000 Americans and is the leading cause of sudden death among adolescents. About 1,000 people with the disorder die unexpectedly each year. Sudden death in these patients can occur during an adrenaline rush and can result in the death of young, otherwise healthy people.

Arthur Moss, professor of medicine and director of the Heart-Research Follow-up Program, says findings from research of this genetic disorder provide important insights into the risk of death from common health problems such as heart attacks and hypertension, which also run in families.

"This was a surprise," says Moss. "We used to think the risk of sudden death ran in families. But now we know that just because one family member experiences a life-threatening event, it doesn't mean that other family members are at high risk for the same fate."

For additional information, visit www.urmc.rochester.edu/pr/News/urg.html.

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