Introduction

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a consequence of abrupt loss of heart function (i.e. cardiac arrest) in a person who may or may not have previously diagnosed heart disease; time and mode of death are unexpected, and it occurs instantly or shortly after the onset of symptoms.1 SCD is mainly the end result of untreated rapid ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation,2 or of extreme slowing of the heart.1

While previous heart disease is a recognized risk factor for SCD, an individual may have no history or symptoms of heart disease prior to the onset of SCD.