Necessity of an AED

April 2019 Question of the Month: "Should we get an automatic external defibrillator (AED) for our family?"

For the Heart of the Matter Ask the Experts series from the SADS Foundation, Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses the necessity of obtaining not only an AED, but also AED and CPR training. However, he stresses that this recommendation should simply be considered as a "precautionary measure", viewed in the same way as a family that keeps a fire extinguisher in their home. Dr. Ackerman also discusses the logistics of purchasing an AED and provides resources and information on how to obtain one for your family.

Have a question about a SADS condition* that you want answered? Submit it here!

**According to the SADS Foundation website, SADS conditions are defined as Brugada Syndrome, Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT), Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Short QT Syndrome (SQTS), Timothy Syndrome and Wolff Parkinson White (WPW). Related conditions that can also cause sudden cardiac arrest in young people are malformations of the heart muscle such as a dysplasia (misplaced) or cardiomyopathy (thickening). These conditions include Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DM).

Talking to others who own and operate AEDs can relieve some stress around this topic. Check of the Heart & Blood Health group or the Heart Rhythm Conditions group to hear stories and receive support from patients and families just like you.