Each month in the United States, hundreds of young people die suddenly and unexpectedly due to cardiac arrhythmias. As many as 12 in every 5,000 young people have a genetic heart condition that can cause sudden death. These conditions have come to be known collectively as Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes, or SADS.

I became acutely aware of SADS earlier this year when a member of my legislative staff and several members of his family were diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, one of the most common SADS conditions. Though at age 24 he never experienced a symptom, an extensive family history of seizures, fainting, and several cases of sudden and unexplained death had tipped off doctors, and thankfully he received treatment before another tragedy could occur.

Long QT Syndrome, or LQTS, is a genetic abnormality in the electrical system of the heart that can cause sudden loss of consciousness, arrhythmia and sudden death in seemingly healthy, vibrant young people and children. It is estimated that LQTS affects one in 7,000 in New York and causes between 3,000 and 4,000 sudden deaths in children and young adults each year in the United States. Long QT Syndrome is now known to be three times more common in the United States than childhood leukemia, though many individuals who have LQTS never exhibit a symptom.

Fortunately, most cardiac arrhythmias and structural defects are identifiable and treatable. With proper treatment-including medication, pacemakers or implantable defibrillators-people with these conditions often enjoy normal life spans and lifestyles.

Your child should be seen by a doctor if he or she has exhibited any of the telltale symptoms, including fainting or seizure, chest pain, or shortness of breath during exercise or excitement. A family history of unexpected, unexplained sudden death in a young person is also a major warning sign.

September is SADS Awareness Month. Throughout the month, my office will be distributing informational materials to schools throughout my district to help educate families and educators alike about the syndrome. Public awareness is our single most important tool in fighting SADS. Death from SADS is preventable, and by spreading the word, we can work together to stop this silent killer.

For more information, please call my office at 571-6224.