Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation

The mission of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) is to save the lives and support the families of children and adults who are genetically predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities.

The patient and family support program provides access to information, resources, research and support to patients' and families' who are dealing with genetic conditions that cause sudden cardiac death in the young or who have lost a loved one to sudden unexplained death. By providing this service, families receive information that helps them to make informed decisions. This program also provides a support network for the families through the Foundation and with other families throughout the United States.

SADS maintains a database of families nationwide and connects families with similar circumstances with each other to foster support in living daily with the effects of the Long QT Syndrome.

The SADS Foundation provides information to and education of medical professionals. Despite research findings and medical publications, genetic conditions that cause sudden cardiac death in the young remain largely hidden-not screened for and thus not diagnosed. As a result many children and young people continue to die each year unnecessarily. The SADS Foundation maintains an active physician education program through our network of researchers, who continually inform and train physicians to diagnose and treat Long QT, through seminars, conferences and medical journal publications.

We want to encourage genetic research in conditions that may lead to sudden cardiac death in the young. Our role is as a link between researchers and families. We also advocate for nondiscriminatory treatment for people who are diagnosed with these conditions.