Please note: the Safety Standards are currently being updated

Please note: the Safety Standards are currently being updated for late August 2025. As a result, some of the content on OPASSE may not be up to date. Contact Ask Ophea at safety@ophea.net if you would like copies of specific activity pages from the 2024-2025 year.

Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome

Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) refers to a variety of cardiac disorders which are often genetic and undiagnosed that can be responsible for sudden death in young, apparently healthy people. For example, Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), a genetic condition that predisposes individuals to arrhythmias, fainting spells and sudden death. It is often symptomless and can therefore remain undiagnosed.

Research suggests that over 700 Canadians under the age of 35 die each year from an undiagnosed cardiac rhythm disorder.

This section includes: