Potential Role of Life Stress in Unexplained Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Background: The etiology of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in individuals without known cardiovascular heart disease remains elusive in nearly half of all patients after systematic testing. We investigated the relationship between stressful life events and SCA risk in cases of explained and unexplained SCA (USCA) events.

Methods: Individuals who previously experienced SCA were enrolled prospectively and divided into a USCA or explained SCA (ESCA) subgroup dependent on whether a diagnosis was ascribed after SCA.

Paediatric supraventricular tachycardia patients potentially more at risk of developing psychological difficulties compared to healthy peers.

Aim: Assess executive and socio-emotional/behavioural functioning in paediatric supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) patients.

Methods: SVT patients aged 7-17 who had not undergone catheter ablation were included. Parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL/6-18) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF).