Men are more at risk than women of dying suddenly from a cardiac arrest that is caused by irregular heart rhythms, a report from the National Audit of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) has suggested.
Sudden cardiac arrest was thrust into the media spotlight earlier this year when Premier League footballer Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch during a game.
The audit, which analysed results of 317 cases from 17 hospitals recorded since July 2008, suggested that the biggest proportion of SADS happens to people in their 30s.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of deaths were in males and the average age of death, where recorded, was 33.
The majority of deaths, where recorded, occurred between 6am and 6pm and about one-third of people died while resting.
Further, just under one-fifth (19%) passed away while in a bed and 17% died during some form of exertion.
