Government launches sudden cardiac death database

A database has been launched to help NHS staff identify incidence and causes of sudden cardiac death, to help save lives of people who may be at risk from an inherited heart condition that could strike without warning.

The Department of Health has created a new database that will help pathologists record cases referred to them by coroners.

Ultimately the information will allow doctors to understand better where and why these inheritable heart conditions are occurring and so help save lives.

Doctors will then be able to better identify people at risk from one of these conditions and help them get access to the services they need.

Health minister Ann Keen said: 'By funding this database, the Department of Health is committing to recommendations in the Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) National Service Framework (NSF) to reduce mortality from sudden cardiac death and improve services for families who have had the tragic experience of losing a close relative.'