Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Sudden cardiac death

January 25, 2022 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello, a few days ago I read a report in the newspaper that a person under 30 suddenly died of cardiac arrest, allegedly without any pre-existing conditions.

I then googled this and read that such things can indeed happen. How common is this? The more I thought about it, the more anxious I became and perceived every slight discomfort and palpitation as "it's all over now." I went to the doctor to have an EKG done for rapid heartbeat, which was completely normal.
My question now:
- What are the chances of sudden cardiac arrest happening to me at 29? I have no other symptoms and I strongly believe that the palpitations are only due to my anxiety.
As I mentioned, the EKG was normal. I have no other illnesses.

Additionally: do you recommend any further tests (such as a stress EKG) or should I just stop worrying? I also read about Brugada and Long QT syndromes, but wouldn't that have been noticed? Isn't that very rare?

I hope you can reassure me.
Greetings.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

One does not die of sudden cardiac death at the age of 30 without any pre-existing conditions! The autopsies reveal the conditions that existed, which were previously unknown. Most often, it is arrhythmias, but also coagulation disorders or unrecognized myocarditis that are the underlying causes.

One can see disorders such as Brugada or Long QT syndrome on an ECG, so you should stop worrying now! These deaths are extremely rare, and much more likely is that you, looking at your phone or listening to music, will walk in front of a car. Much more prevention is needed here, as too many young lives are lost.

Furthermore, sudden cardiac death is very pleasant: When one is alive, one feels good, and when one is dead, one does not notice it anymore. That would be the last death that I would fear; at any age.

Warm regards, Dr. Gehiring