'Sudden Death: Getting to the Heart of the Causes' – Café Science Extra on 11th June

Published On Fri 6 Jun 2014 by Roddy Isles

The inherited heart conditions that cause sudden death in young people and the diagnosis and treatment that can prevent such tragedies will be examined at the next Café Science Extra event in Dundee.

Dr Anna Maria Choy from the University of Dundee will discuss the vital importance of early diagnosis of underlying heart conditions and the challenge that doctors face identifying those at risk at Dundee Science Centre on Wednesday, 11th June. She will explain how a new model for helping those affected is emerging across Scotland.

“In the past, sudden death in a young person was attributed to 'natural causes',” she said. “We now know that these tragic events are often caused by inherited heart conditions. With an early diagnosis there are effective treatments available including lifestyle changes and lifesaving therapies.

“The prognosis with these therapies can be good if affected people and their families receive suitable care and treatment. The greatest challenge is how to identify people at risk. Is mass screening of all young people the solution or should there be a more targeted approach?”

Dr Choy is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in the Centre for Cardiovascular and Diabetes Medicine and a consultant cardiologist. She has published extensively on research into inherited and acquired arrhythmias and other heart conditions.

Café Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted more than 5000 visitors since then. The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening locally.

Café Science Extra allows members of the public to meet with up-and-coming scientists from the Universities of Dundee, St Andrews and Abertay, the James Hutton Institute, and Dundee Science Centre.

‘Sudden Death: Getting to the Heart of the Causes’ takes place at Dundee Science Centre from 6pm on Wednesday, 11th June. The event is free and open to all. There is no need to book in advance but an early arrival is recommended.

More information is available at www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk.      

Roddy Isles
Head of Press
TEL: 01382 384910
MOBILE: 07800 581902
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk