The First National Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome Audit Report can be downloaded here:

First Annual Report of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome 2010

The Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome Audit (SADS) will collate all cases of young sudden cardiac death. The National Service Framework (NSF) for arrhythmia and sudden death sets out a quality requirement and markers of good practice. These markers support NHS services in identifying people who are at increased risk and assessing them and their families to reduce their chances of dying from an arrhythmic condition.

Information from the audit will be used to:

1. ensure all potential victims of SADS receive an expert post mortem and appropriate tissue is retained if informed consent is given from next of kin
2. provide the first step in supporting the process of identifying and evaluating family members who may have inherited cardiac disease
3. ensure all cases are recorded nationally to accurately assess incidence, prevalence and potential variation across the country.