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A new study from Denmark has revealed a startling fact: nearly half of individuals who suffer sudden cardiac death (SCD) had no prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The findings, published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, underscore the urgent need for broader awareness and improved preventative measures for heart health.
Unexpected Deaths Among the Undiagnosed
Dr. Tobias Skjelbred, a cardiologist at Copenhagen University Hospital and the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of recognizing that SCD does not only affect those with diagnosed heart conditions.
“A substantial number of deaths happen in people we don’t see in the cardiac ward,” he stated.
The study analyzed over 50,000 deaths in Denmark in a single year and identified 6,851 as sudden cardiac deaths. Of those, 3,046 individuals—nearly half—had no history of CVD.
“The largest subgroup of sudden cardiac death is people without a prior diagnosis,” Skjelbred said. “For people under 70, there were more deaths among those who didn’t have a diagnosis than those who did.”
The Need for Better Prevention Strategies
Currently, preventative measures are primarily targeted at individuals already diagnosed with CVD. However, Skjelbred argues that the data indicates a need for risk stratification beyond just those with known conditions.
Several demographic groups—people under 70, women, those living alone, and individuals with lower socioeconomic status—were less likely to have a CVD diagnosis before their sudden death. Additionally, people in rural or remote areas were at a higher risk of being undiagnosed.
“These latest numbers show that people are getting left behind,” Skjelbred acknowledged.
Experts Call for Earlier Diagnosis and Awareness
Dr. Nicholas Noiseux, a cardiac surgeon at the University of Montreal Health Centre, stressed the importance of earlier diagnosis and intervention. He pointed out that in nearly half of these cases, the first sign of disease was fatal.
“This doesn’t mean the problem wasn’t there,” Noiseux said. “Most of the time it was, it just wasn’t diagnosed.”
He also highlighted the need for physicians to recognize different presentations of CVD, particularly in women, who often experience atypical symptoms compared to men. Identifying early warning signs, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, could be crucial in preventing fatal outcomes.
Moving Toward a Broader Risk Assessment
While improving risk assessment models for known CVD patients is critical, Skjelbred stressed that the study highlights the necessity of developing a risk model for the general population. Without such measures, many at-risk individuals may continue to go unnoticed until it is too late.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your heart health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
