It is estimated that close to a hundred youth 18 and below, die each year from unexplained causes, primarily because the normal autopsy was unable to pick up the finer details. In cases of sudden cardiac death, the causes and risks remain elusive, which is disappointing to family members.

Recently, a novel autopsy protocol has been developed by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, which is capable of a detailed examination of young people who die due to sudden cardiac death. The procedure will delve into the genetic make up of the victim to chart out the reasons for death and understand the genetic risks and its implications on the surviving family members. Overall, it will help allay fears of the family members and help them take sufficient precaution to offset impending health risks.

According to Dr. Michael Gollob, the director of the Heart Institute's arrhythmia clinic and research lab, the new guidelines will be "comprehensive and thorough and no diagnosis that might be detected by autopsy will be overlooked."

In a nutshell, the new procedure will serve as a guideline to parents, healthcare experts and sports coaches to be cautious in the event of fainting episodes of youngsters, and to alert medical experts without delay.



Source-Medindia
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