Glossary for Sudden death

Medical terms related to Sudden death or mentioned in this section include:

• 3-alpha-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• 3-alpha-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• 3-methylglutaconic aciduria, type 1: A recessively inherited metabolic disorder characterized by methylglutaconic acid in the urine.
• 3-methylglutaconic aciduria, type V: A rare genetic disorder where the body's cells are unable to make sufficient energy resulting in an accumulation in the body of 3-methylglutaconic acid.
• Accidental death: The death of a person occurring accidentally
• Accidental injury: An injury that occurs accidentally
• Acute Appendicitis: Infection of the appendix
• Adverse reaction: Term to describe unwanted, negative consequences sometimes associated with using medications, diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions.
• Allergic reaction: A hypersensitivity reaction produced by the body, which results in an exaggerated or inappropriate immune reaction to a particular substance.
• Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase deficiency: A metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase which results in high levels of oxoglutaric acid in the urine as well as other severe symptoms.
• Amniotic fluid syndrome: A rare disorder where large amounts of amniotic fluid suddenly enters the blood stream. The amniotic fluid contains debris which can block blood vessels and dilutes the blood which affects coagulation. This can occur when there is an opening in a blood vessel wall and can occur if the birth involves difficult labor, older women, dead fetus syndrome or large babies. The condition can result in rapid death of the mother.
• Amyloid cardiopathy: Amyloidosis is a rare group of metabolic disorders where a protein called amyloid accumulates in body organs and tissues where it can cause damage and is potentially fatal. The cardiac form involves deposits of amyloid in the heart muscle which affects its function. The electrical conduction system of the heart is impaired.
• Anaphylaxis: An immediate hypersensitivity reaction due to the exposure of a specific antigen to a sensitized individual
• Aneurysm: Swelling or ballooning of part of an artery
• Aortic dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta (major artery in the body) which allows blood to escape into outer layers of the artery.
• Aorto-ventricular tunnel: A rare heart defect where a tunnel from between the ascending aorta and the cavity of the left or sometimes right heart ventricle. The severity of the condition is highly variable from asymptomatic for many years to fetal death. Often other heart anomalies are also associated.
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: A rare heart muscle disease where the muscle tissue of the right ventricle of the heart is replaced by fibrous or fatty tissue which affects the ability of the heart to pump blood.
• Arterial dissections with lentiginosis: A rare familial syndrome characterized by the association of aortic dissection and multiple lentigines (brown skin spots). The aorta can rupture in some cases and result in sudden death.
• Asymmetric septal hypertrophy: A disease of the heart muscle characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function.
• Atrial Fibrillation, Familial 2: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases. Type 2 is linked to a genetic defect on chromosome 6q14-q16 and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Symptoms tend to occur in episodes initially and then becomes chronic with increased age.
• Atrial Fibrillation, Familial 3: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases. Type 3 is linked to a genetic defect on chromosome 11p15.5 and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
• Atrial Fibrillation, Familial 4: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases. Type 4 is linked to a genetic defect on chromosome 21q22.
• Atrial Fibrillation, Familial 5: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases. Type 5 is linked to a genetic defect on chromosome 4q2.
• Atrial Fibrillation, Familial 6: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases. Type 6 is linked to a genetic defect on chromosome 1p36.2 and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
• Atrial Fibrillation, Familial 7: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases. Type 7 is linked to a genetic defect on chromosome 12p13 and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.
• Atrial Fibrillation, Familial 8: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases. Type 8 is linked to a genetic defect on chromosome 16q22 and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Symptoms tend to occur in episodes initially and then becomes chronic with increased age.
• Atrial cardiomyopathy with heart block: Atrial heart disease involving a disruption of the electrical signals in the heart and causes heart rhythm problems.
• Atrial fibrillation, familial 1: A dominantly inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases.
• Atrial myxoma, familial: An atrial myxoma benign tumor that develops in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. The familial form of the condition also involves tumors in other parts of the body such as the skin, both heart atria or the heart ventricles.
• Automobile accidents injury: An injury caused by the mechanism of a car accident
• Bacterial meningitis: Bacterial meningitis is a form of meningitis caused by bacteria that normally lives in the mouth and throat. When the immune system is unable to supress this bacteria, it travels to the cerebrospinal spinal fluid in the brain. From there it affects the membranes surrounding the brain.
• Birth Injury: An injury to the mother caused by childbirth
• Breath symptoms: Breath-related symptoms including breath odor
• Brugada Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by heart rhythm abnormalities which can result in sudden death if untreated. The condition may be inherited in some cases. The mean age of sudden death is 40 years of age.
• Brugada syndrome 1: A rare genetic disorder characterized by heart rhythm abnormalities which can result in sudden death if untreated. Type 1 is caused by a mutation in the SCN5A gene on chromosome 3p21. Symptoms most often occur during the night and the condition is most prevalent in Japan and Southeast Asia.
• Brugada syndrome 2: A rare genetic disorder characterized by heart rhythm abnormalities which can result in sudden death if untreated. Type 2 is caused by a mutation in the GPD1L gene on chromosome 3p22.3. Symptoms most often occur during the night and the condition is most prevalent in Japan and Southeast Asia.
• Brugada syndrome 3: A rare genetic disorder characterized by heart rhythm abnormalities which can result in sudden death if untreated. Type 3 is caused by a mutation in the CACNA1C gene on chromosome 12p13.3. Symptoms most often occur during the night and the condition is most prevalent in Japan and Southeast Asia.
• Brugada syndrome 4: A rare genetic disorder characterized by heart rhythm abnormalities which can result in sudden death if untreated. Type 14 is caused by a mutation in the CACNB2 gene on chromosome 10p12. Symptoms most often occur during the night and the condition is most prevalent in Japan and Southeast Asia.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 10: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the heart's ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the heart's conduction system. Type 10 is caused by a defect in the ABC9 gene on chromosome 12p12.1.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1B: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1B is caused by a defect on chromosome 9q13.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1C: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1C is caused by a defect in the LDB3 gene on chromosome 10q21-q23.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1D: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1D is caused by a defect in the cardiac troponin gene on chromosome 1q32.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1G: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1G is caused by a defect in the titin gene on chromosome 2q24.3.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1H: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1H is caused by a defect on chromosome 2q14-q22.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1I: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1I is caused by a defect in the desmin gene on chromosome 2q35.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1J: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Hearing impairment also becomes apparent by the end of the second decade. Type 1J is caused by a defect in the LDB3 gene on chromosome 6q23.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1K: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1K is caused by a defect on chromosome 6q12-q16.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1L: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1L is caused by a defect in the delta-sarcoglycan gene on chromosome 5q33.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1M: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1M is caused by a defect in the CSRP3 gene on chromosome 11p15.1.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1N: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1N is caused by a defect in the telethonin gene on chromosome 17q12.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1P: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1P is caused by a defect in the phospholamban gene on chromosome 6q22.1.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1Q: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1Q is caused by a defect on chromosome 7q22.3-q31.1.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1R: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1R is caused by a defect in the ACTC gene on chromosome 15q14.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1S: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1S is caused by a defect in the heavy chain myosin 7 gene on chromosome 14q12.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1T: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1T is caused by a defect in the TMPO gene on chromosome 12q22.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1U: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1U is caused by a defect in the PSEN1 gene on chromosome 14q24.3.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1W: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1W is caused by a defect in the metavinculin gene on chromosome 10q22.1-q23.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1Y: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the heart's conduction system. Type 1Y is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 15q25.1.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated 1Z: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the heart's conduction system. Type 1Z is caused by a genetic defect on chromosome 3p21.2-p14.3.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated with conduction defect: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated with conduction defect type 1: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 1 is caused by a defect in the lamin A/C gene on chromosome 1q21.
• Cardiomyopathy dilated with conduction defect type 2: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the hearts conduction system. Type 2 is caused by a defect in the cardiac sodium channel gene on chromosome 3p21.
• Chemical addiction: Addiction to and abuse of various substances.
• Cocaine addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use cocaine on a regular basis. Chronic cocaine use can lead to dependency in as little as two weeks. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Congenital heart block: A rare congenital heart disease where a slowed heart rate is caused by defects in the heart conduction system. The condition is usually asymptomatic and harmless but in severe cases (complete AV block) various symptoms and sudden death may occur.
• Coronary arteries -- congenital malformation: Abnormal coronary arteries present at birth. The coronary artery may be misplaced or deformed and the severity of the defect will determine the type and seriousness of symptoms. Some malformations produce no clinical symptoms whereas others are life-threatening without prompt treatment.
• Crack addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use crack on a regular basis. Chronic crack use can lead to dependency in as little as two weeks. Crack is a form of cocaine - powdered cocaine is heated with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate to make rocks of crack. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Cysticercosis: An infectious disease caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. If the larvae are ingested then a mild or asymptomatic tapeworm infection occurs. However, ingested eggs pass into the bloodstream where they can then enter various tissues and form the cysts that characterize cysticercosis.
• Death: The loss of life.
• Death-related symptoms: Symptoms related to death or dying.
• Diabetes-like symptoms: Symptoms similar to those of diabetes
• Diabetic hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar attack from insulin or diabetes medications
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: A metabolic acidosis that results from the accumulation of ketones when diabetes mellitus is poorly controlled
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: A rare chronic heart muscle condition where one or both heart ventricles are dilated or have impaired contractility.
• Drug overdose: A condition characterized by the consumption in excess of a particular drug causing adverse effects
• Ecstasy addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use ecstasy on a regular basis. Chronic ecstasy use can lead to dependency in as little as two weeks. Ecstasy is a synthetic psychoactive drug often used as a recreational drug. Street names for the drug includes: XTC, Adam, Clarity, Lover's Speed, Hug, Beans and Love Drug. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Encephalitis: Infection of the brain (as a symptom)
• Erb-Goldflam: An inherited disorder characterized by a defect in the transmission of signals to the muscles which results in muscle weakness.
• Familial atrial fibrillation: A rare inherited condition where abnormal electrical activity in the heart causes it to have a fast and irregular beat. The condition may go unnoticed or may cause stroke or sudden death in some cases.
• Familial dilated cardiomyopathy: A rare inherited heart muscle condition where one or both heart ventricles are dilated or have impaired contractility. The heart becomes unable to pump sufficient blood around the body.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 1: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 1 is caused by a defect on chromosome 14q12.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 10: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 10 is caused by a defect in the MYL2 gene on chromosome 12q23-q24.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 11: An inherited heart condition involving thickening of the walls of the heart chambers which reduces the size of the heart chambers which restricts the outflow of blood from the heart ventricle and results in heart muscle disease. The condition may not cause any symptoms and can result in sudden death. Type 11 is caused by a defect in the ACTC1 gene on chromosome 15q14.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 12: An inherited heart condition involving thickening of the walls of the heart chambers which reduces the size of the heart chambers which restricts the outflow of blood from the heart ventricle and results in heart muscle disease. The condition may not cause any symptoms and can result in sudden death. Type 12 is caused by a defect in the CSRP3 gene on chromosome 11p15.1.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 2: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 2 is caused by a defect in the troponin-T2 gene on chromosome 1q.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 3: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 3 is caused by a defect in the alpha-tropomyosin gene on chromosome 15q22.1.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 4: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 4 is caused by a defect in the cardiac myosin binding protein-C gene on chromosome 11p11.2.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 5:
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 6: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 6 is caused by a defect on chromosome 7q31-qter.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 7: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 7 is caused by a defect in the TNNI3 gene on chromosome 19q13.4.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 8: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 8 is caused by a defect in the MYL3 gene on chromosome 3p.
• Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 9: An inherited condition characterized by increased thickness of the wall of the heart ventricle which affects the hearts function. Type 9 is caused by a defect in the TTN gene on chromosome 2q24.3.
• Fetal death: The sudden unexpected death of a fetus
• GSD IIB -- formerly: A rare inherited disorder characterized by severe heart problems, varying degrees of muscle weakness and often mental retardation. Other symptoms such as mental retardation may also occur. The genetic anomaly manifests as a deficiency of a protein called LAMP-2 (Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2) which affects lysosomes. The condition is now known as Danon disease.
• GSD2B -- formerly: A rare inherited disorder characterized by severe heart problems, varying degrees of muscle weakness and often mental retardation. Other symptoms such as mental retardation may also occur. The genetic anomaly manifests as a deficiency of a protein called LAMP-2 (Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2) which affects lysosomes. The condition is now known as Danon disease.
• Giant cell myocarditis: A rare cardiovascular disease involving inflammation of the heart muscle. The condition occurs for no apparent reason.
• Glycogen Storage Disease IIb -- formerly: A rare inherited disorder characterized by severe heart problems, varying degrees of muscle weakness and often mental retardation. Other symptoms such as mental retardation may also occur. The genetic anomaly manifests as a deficiency of a protein called LAMP-2 (Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2) which affects lysosomes. The condition is now known as Danon disease.
• Glycogen storage disease type 2B: A rare inherited biochemical disorder involving the harmful accumulation of certain chemicals (glycogen) in body tissues due to the deficiency of an enzyme (?-glucosidase or acid maltase) needed to break it down. Type IIB usually starts during childhood.
• Glycogen storage disease type 2B -- formerly: A rare inherited disorder characterized by severe heart problems, varying degrees of muscle weakness and often mental retardation. Other symptoms such as mental retardation may also occur. The genetic anomaly manifests as a deficiency of a protein called LAMP-2 (Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2) which affects lysosomes. The condition is now known as Danon disease.
• HADH deficiency: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• Heart attack: An acute myocardial infarction
• Heart block progressive, familial: A rare degenerative disorder of the heart conduction system.
• Heart failure: A condition which is characterized by an inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently and effectively
• Heart symptoms: Symptoms affecting the heart
• Heroin dependence: The physical and psychological dependence to the recreational drug heroin
• Homicide: The killing of a person by another
• Hyperbilirubinemia transient, familial, neonatal: A rare inherited metabolic disorder where the body is unable to break down bilirubin which results in progressive jaundice which can be fatal or result in kernicterus (brain damage due to severe jaundice).
• Hypertension due to coarctation of the aorta: Hypertension due to coarctation of the aorta is high blood pressure resulting from a birth defect where a heart blood vessel called the aorta is abnormally narrowed. The high blood pressure tends to affect mainly the upper part of the body. Babies and very young children tend to have more severe symptoms as the degree of narrowing tends to be greater than in older children or adults.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Heart damage from thickened heart walls.
• Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis: A heart condition involving thickening of parts of the heart (usually the muscle wall separating the heart chambers) which reduces the size of the heart chambers (specifically the left ventricle). This abnormally thick heart muscle restricts the outflow of blood from the left heart ventricle and results in heart muscle disease. The condition is considered to be uncommon but not rare with as many as 1 in 500 people affected. The condition is usually caused by a genetic defect and the severity of the condition is variable.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels
• Idiopathic dilation cardiomyopathy: A rare chronic heart muscle condition where one or both heart ventricles are dilated and the heart is unable to contract normally. In idiopathic forms, the condition occurs for no apparent reason.
• Idiopathic, hypertrophic, subaortic stenosis: A rare heart disorder where thickening of parts of the heart (wall separating the heart chambers) reduces the size of heart chambers and hinders the flow of blood.
• Injury: Any damage inflicted in the body
• Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by congenital deafness and a long Q-T interval which is where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge after a heartbeat.
• Kugel-Stoloff syndrome: A rare form of heart disease that occurs in children and involves fibrosis and thickening of the heart muscle which affects it's ability to function. The cause is unknown.
• L-3-alpha-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, short chain, deficiency: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• LADHSC deficiency: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• Long QT Syndrome 12: A condition which is characterized by prolongation of the QT interval of the heart rhythm. Type 12 is linked to a defect on chromosome 20q11.2.
• Long QT syndrome type 10: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 10 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (SCN4B gene on chromosome 11q23).
• Long QT syndrome type 11: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 11 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (chromosome 7q21-q22).
• Long QT syndrome type 2: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 3 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (chromosome 7).
• Long QT syndrome type 3: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 3 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (chromosome 3p21).
• Long QT syndrome type 4: A very rare genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 4 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (gene for Ankyrin B on chromosome 4q25-q27).
• Long QT syndrome type 5: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 5 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (KCNE1 gene on chromosome 21q22.1-q22.2).
• Long QT syndrome type 6: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 6 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (KCNE2 gene on chromosome 21q22.1).
• Long QT syndrome type 9: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary. Type 9 is distinguished from other types by the origin of the genetic defect (caveolin 3 gene on chromosome 3p25).
• Long QT syndrome, familial: A familial heart condition which is characterized by prolongation of the QT interval of the heart rhythm. Exercise or excitement can exacerbate symptoms.
• Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency: A condition which is characterized by a deficiency in long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
• Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: A rare inherited genetic condition where the body is unable to convert certain fats to energy i.e. there is not enough of a certain enzyme (3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase) which is needed to metabolize a type of fat called long-chain fatty acids. The build-up of these fatty acids in the body causes damage.
• Lysosomal glycogen storage disease with normal acid maltase activity: A rare inherited disorder characterized by severe heart problems, varying degrees of muscle weakness and often mental retardation. Other symptoms such as mental retardation may also occur. The genetic anomaly manifests as a deficiency of a protein called LAMP-2 (Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2) which affects lysosomes.
• M/SCHAD deficiency: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• Marfan Syndrome type 2: A very rare syndrome characterized by some of the skeletal and heart blood vessel abnormalities seen in Marfan syndrome but there are no eye abnormalities. The genetic cause of the two types is different.
• Marfan syndrome: A genetic connective tissue disorder involving a defect of chromosome 15q21.1 which affects the production of the fibrillin needed to make connective tissue.
• Marfan-like syndrome, Boileau type: A rare disorder that is similar to Marfan syndrome but tends to only involve skeletal and cardiovascular symptoms and signs.
• Medical misadventure: When a medical procedure does not go as planned
• Medication errors: When there is an error in the administration of medications
• Medium and long chan 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: A metabolic disorder characterized by the deficiency of an enzyme (3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase) which is needed to metabolise long and medum-chain fatty acids. The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the degree of the deficiency.
• Medium and short chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• Meningitis: Infection of the membrane around the brain (as a symptom)
• Mitral valve prolapse, familial, X-linked:
• Multifocal ventricular premature beats: A form of abnormal heart rhythm that occurs in otherwise healthy individuals. Exertion or high emotions may trigger a fainting episode.
• Myocarditis: A condition which is characterized by inflammation of the muscles of the heart
• Narcotic addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use narcotics on a regular basis. The drug may be used as a therapeutic medication for various conditions but it's use is also frequently abused. Examples of narcotic drugs include heroin, morphine, Demerol and codeine. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Naxos disease: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by heart disease and woolly hair.
• Neurocysticercosis: Brain/CNS infection with the tapeworm Cysticercosis
• Opioid addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use opioids on a regular basis. Opioids may may be prescribed by a physician for the purpose of pain relief but patients may become physically dependent on the drug and continue to obsessively use it even after the condition it was prescribed for has resolved. In other cases, opioid addiction results from the illicit use of the drug for recreational purposes. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling. Examples of opioids includes morphine, heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl.
• Opium addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use opium on a regular basis. Opium may may be prescribed by a physician for the purpose of pain relief but patients may become physically dependent on the drug and continue to obsessively use it even after the condition it was prescribed for has resolved. In other cases, opium addiction results from the illicit use of the drug for recreational purposes. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Oxycontin addiction: Oxycontin is a commonly prescribed pain killer which is recognized as carrying a high risk of addiction. Initial use of the drug may be to control chronic pain but patients may find themselves increasingly dependent on the drug and unable to stop its use. Other cases of addiction may occur when people deliberately and illegally misuse Oxycontin as a recreational drug.
• Pain killer addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use pain-relieving medication on a regular basis. Pain killers are often prescribed for the treatment of sleeping problems but chronic use can lead to dependence on the drug. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Paroxysmal ventricular fibrillation: A rare condition where the heart has an abnormal rhythm for no detectable reason. The condition can lead to fainting attacks and even sudden death in an otherwise healthy individual.
• Poisoning: The condition produced by poison
• Polymorphic catecholergic ventricular tachycardia: A very rare disorder involving an abnormal heart rhythm in an apparently otherwise normal heart. By the second decade of life, half of the sufferers will die.
• Pork tapeworm: A tapeworm infection that is caused from pork
• Prescribed medication addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use prescribed medication in a manner or frequency not prescribed. Drugs such as painkillers are prescribed to treat such things as pain but patients may become physically dependent on the drug and continue to obsessively use it even after the condition it was prescribed for has resolved. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Prinzmetal's variant angina: A rare disorder where the heart artery spasms which affects the blood flow to the heart and causes pain. The condition can occur with or without physical activity.
• Pseudoglycogenosis II: A rare inherited disorder characterized by severe heart problems, varying degrees of muscle weakness and often mental retardation. Other symptoms such as mental retardation may also occur. The genetic anomaly manifests as a deficiency of a protein called LAMP-2 (Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2) which affects lysosomes.
• Pulmonary embolus: Pulmonary embolus is a condition in which a blood clot, piece of fat, or other solid substance travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel of the lungs causing a blockage.
• Romano-Ward syndrome: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm (long Q-T interval) where the heart takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. The severity of the condition can vary.
• SCHAD Deficiency -- formerly: A rare inherited form of biochemical disorder characterized by the deficiency of a particular enzyme (3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase). The enzyme deficiency only affects certain body tissues, in particular the skeletal muscles. The lack of enzyme activity prevents some fats being converted into energy. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated during fasting as during fasting, the body tries to rely more heavily on fats for energy. Fatty acids that are not completely metabolized due to the enzyme deficiency may build up in various organs and cause serious complications.
• Sensory ataxic neuropathy, dysarthria, and ophthalmoparesis: A very rare syndrome characterized by progressive ataxia, eye muscle problems and a speech disorder (dysarthria).
• Severe dilated cardiomyopathy with or without myopathy: An inherited form of heart muscle disease where the heart ventricles become dilated which affects the hearts ability to function normally. The disorder is caused by the degeneration of the heart's conduction system due to a defect in the lamin A/C gene on chromosome 1q21. The heart disease may sometimes be associated with muscle disease which affects the quadricep muscles.
• Short QT syndrome: A very rare inherited condition where the heart muscle recharges between beats faster than normal which can result in various symptoms and even sudden death.
• Short QT syndrome 1: Short QT syndrome is a very rare genetic heart condition characterized by abnormalities in heart electrical signals - short QT interval. The severity of the condition is highly variable with some people suffering no noticeable symptoms whereas others have fainting spells or even die suddenly. There are three subtypes of the condition, each caused by a different genetic mutation. Type 1 is caused by a defect on chromosome 7q35-q36.
• Short QT syndrome 2: Short QT syndrome is a very rare genetic heart condition characterized by abnormalities in heart electrical signals - short QT interval. The severity of the condition is highly variable with some people suffering no noticeable symptoms whereas others have fainting spells or even die suddenly. There are three subtypes of the condition, each caused by a different genetic mutation. Type 2 is caused by a defect on chromosome 11p15.5.
• Short QT syndrome 3: Short QT syndrome is a very rare genetic heart condition characterized by abnormalities in heart electrical signals - short QT interval. The severity of the condition is highly variable with some people suffering no noticeable symptoms whereas others have fainting spells or even die suddenly. There are three subtypes of the condition, each caused by a different genetic mutation. Type 3 is caused by a defect on chromosome 17q23.1-q24.2.
• Short QT syndrome, familial: A very rare genetic heart condition characterized by abnormalities in heart electrical signals. The severity of the condition is highly variable with some people suffering no noticeable symptoms whereas others have fainting spells or even die suddenly.
• Sinus node disease and myopia: A very rare disorder characterized by nearsightedness
• Sleep apnea: A condition which is characterized by transient attacks of apnea that usually occur during ones sleep
• Sleeping pill addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use sleeping pills on a regular basis. Sleeping pills are often prescribed for the treatment of sleeping problems but chronic use can lead to dependence on the drug. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Stillbirth: Where a woman delivers a child who is dead
• Stroke: Brain-related symptoms of bleeding or blockage.
• Stroke symptoms: Brain-related symptoms of bleeding or blockage.
• Subaortic stenosis -- short stature syndrome: A very rare syndrome characterized mainly by short stature and a narrowed portion of the aorta.
• Subarachnoid haemorrhage: A condition which is characterized by haemorrhage of blood into the subarachnoid space
• Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome: A genetic heart disorder characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm which can result in sudden death in otherwise healthy people. It is caused by a genetic defect which affects the hearts electrical activity. Examples of disorders that can cause lethal heart rhythm abnormalities are Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, certain drugs, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and sodium channel disease.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: The sudden death of an infant due to an unknown cause that occurs during sleep
• Sudden death: Death that occurs suddenly
• Suicidal symptoms: Thoughts or actions toward suicide.
• Suicide: Thoughts or actions toward suicide.
• Timothy syndrome: A rare syndrome characterized by webbed fingers and a heart defect. Most affected individuals die during early childhood or infancy.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome: Severe immune reaction causing shock
• Tranquilizer addiction: An uncontrollable desire to use tranquilizers on a regular basis. Tranquilizers are often prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and sleeping problems but chronic use can lead to dependence on the drug. Frequent use leads to an increased tolerance to the drug so higher and higher doses are required to achieve the desired euphoric feeling.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Brain injury from trauma or accident.
• Type 1 diabetes: Severe insulin-treated diabetes typically occurring in young people.
• Uhl anomaly: A rare congenital heart malformation where the myocardial layer (muscle wall of the heart) of the right ventricle is completely or partially absent.
• Vacuolar Cardiomyopathy and Myopathy, X-linked: A rare inherited disorder characterized by severe heart problems, varying degrees of muscle weakness and often mental retardation. Other symptoms such as mental retardation may also occur. The genetic anomaly manifests as a deficiency of a protein called LAMP-2 (Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2) which affects lysosomes.
• Ventricular tachycardia, catecholaminergic polymorphic, 1: A very rare inherited heart disorder involving an abnormal heart rhythm in an apparently otherwise normal heart. Sudden death can occur readily. Symptoms such as fainting and seizures can be triggered by strenuous physical activity or sudden excitement. Type 1 is caused by a defect in the RYR2 gene on chromosome 1q42.1-q43.
• Ventricular tachycardia, catecholaminergic polymorphic, 2: A very rare, recessively inherited heart disorder involving an abnormal heart rhythm in an apparently otherwise normal heart. Sudden death can occur readily. Symptoms such as fainting and seizures can be triggered by strenuous physical activity or sudden excitement. Type 2 is caused by a defect in the CASQ2 gene on chromosome 1p13.3-p11.

Conditions listing medical symptoms: Sudden death:

The following list of conditions have 'Sudden death' or similar listed as a symptom in our database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom.

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Conditions listing medical complications: Sudden death:

The following list of medical conditions have 'Sudden death' or similar listed as a medical complication in our database.

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