Clinical significance of the genealogical analysis method in victims of sudden cardiac death among the young population (1–35 years)
Received: 2026-05-03
Published: 2026-06-29
Abstract
Aim. To evaluate the results of the genealogical analysis method in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of victims of sudden cardiac death among the young population (1–35 years).
Materials and Methods. In this study, the clinical-genealogical (pedigree) method was used to assess hereditary factors in first- to third-degree relatives of 24 victims of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The analysis began with the proband and covered 3–4 generations. Data were collected based on standardized interviews, medical records, and clinical information. For each family member, sex, age, diagnosis, disease onset, cases of sudden death, and consanguineous marriage were recorded. Pedigrees were constructed according to international genetic nomenclature, and the distribution of the disease across generations, inheritance pattern, and phenotypic characteristics were evaluated.
Results. According to the results, the frequency of SCD differed across generations and was associated with age-related factors. In the first generation (grandparents), the frequency of SCD was the highest at 3.2%, decreased to 2.1% in the second generation, and was recorded at very low levels in subsequent generations. Although no cases of SCD were observed in the third generation (parents), the presence of clinical symptoms (arrhythmia, syncope) indicated the possibility of subclinical cardiac pathology. SCD was recorded in 1.3% of siblings, and its relatively early manifestation in terms of age confirms a familial predisposition. No statistically significant differences were found between most groups (p > 0.05), which can be explained by the limited sample size.
Conclusion. The results showed that familial and hereditary factors play an important role in SCD. Genealogical analysis is an effective screening method for the early identification of high-risk individuals. Studies in a larger population are required to improve the reliability of the results.
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