Family history of sudden cardiac death among victims of sudden death in yazd, iran

A positive family history of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is an independent risk factor for mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of a positive family history of SCD and its associated risk factors among victims of sudden death in Yazd.  This cross-sectional study investigated SCD cases in Yazd, Iran, in 2011. The study included victims who were aged 20 years or older, and the cause of death was the cardiac arrest within one hour of symptom onset. The data obtained from families of SCD victims through verbal autopsy interviews.  A total of 317 cases of SCD occurred among victims, resulting in an incidence rate of 139.4 per 100,000 population 26.2% had a positive family history of SCD, with a mean age of 60.4 ± 12.3 years. Individuals with a positive family history of SCD had a significantly younger mean age at the time of death (60.9 ± 12.3 vs. 66.9 ± 16.5 years, P = 0.018). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 1.43, CI 95% = 1.03–1.99, P = 0.042), dyslipidemia (odds ratio 1.47, CI 95% = 1.07–2.1, P = 0.038), chronic coronary artery disease (P =0.027), and revascularization (P = 0.049) had a significant association with positive family history of SCD.  This study highlights the importance of assessing family history as a risk factor for SCD, along with other risk factors such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and chronic coronary artery disease.