Shock to the Heart: Psychosocial Implications and Applications of Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young

Abstract

Purpose of Review Although rare, sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young is a tragic event, having a dramatic impact upon all involved. The psychosocial burden associated with SCD can leave friends, families, and entire communities bereft. With only limited evidence to describe the volatile emotional reactions associated with a young SCD, there is an urgent need for care providers to better understand the psychological complexities and impacts faced by both at-risk individuals and those directly affected by these tragic events. Recent Findings Current knowledge of the psychosocial implications associated with SCD in the young has recently generated interest in the cardiovascular community, with the goal of addressing prevention strategies (screening), family bereavement, and the psychological impact of at-risk or surviving individuals. With the emergence of novel strategies aimed at reducing the public health impact of SCD in the young, further discussion regarding the psychosocial impact of SCD, encompassing prevention, survivorship, and the downstream communal effects of a young death is required. Support systems and intervention could assist in the management of the associated psychosocial burden, yet there is a lack of clinical guidelines to direct this form of care. Summary There is an important need for multidisciplinary collaboration across subspecialties to provide support to grieving individuals and manage patient well-being throughout the screening process for SCD. This collaborative approach requires the integration of cardiovascular and psychological expertise where relevant.

Sudden cardiac death in the young: A qualitative study of experiences of family members with cardiogenetic evaluation

“…It was easier to process the outcome as they knew there was a small chance a genetic variant would be identified. The role of genetic counselling in this process to adequately inform grieving family members and manage the expectations about potential outcomes is therefore critical (12,13). As stated in the APHRS/HRS expert consensus document, genetic counselling is integral to the process of cardiogenetic evaluation after SCD (8).…”

Ethical problems of genetic testing for hereditary cardiovascular diseases

“…Аналогичные данные приводят и другие авторы [43]. Система поддержки таких семей могла бы помочь в управлении психосоциальным бременем, однако на сегодня отсутствуют клинические рекомендации по этой форме помощи, которая должна носить междисциплинарный характер [44]. Немаловажное значение имеет и адекватное информирование родителей о значении теста для здоровья ребенка.…”

Does cardiovascular preparticipation screening cause psychological distress in athletes? A systematic review

“…Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality among athletes during sports and exercise 1. The prevention of SCD in athletic settings is of tremendous importance given the profound societal impact of these events on families and communities, especially when occurring in a young and seemingly healthy athlete 1–5. To minimise the occurrence of these tragic events, international organisations, including the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Canadian Heart Rhythm Society, American Heart Association, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and European Society of Cardiology endorse cardiovascular preparticipation screening (PPS) 3 6–8.…”