November is National Family Health History Month!

November is National Family Health History Month, and it’s a great time to talk to your family about your cardiac condition. November is National Family Health History Month, and it’s a great time to talk to your family about your cardiac condition. Family Health History Month is a national initiative that encourages families to share their medical history with relatives who may also be affected – and possibly save their lives!

Family Health History Month is particularly important for the SADS community. SADS conditions are genetic – meaning that if you’re affected, people in your family may be affected too (including aunts and uncles, cousins, and extended family).

By reaching out to your family and making them aware of your condition (and the possibility that they could be affected too), you could save the life of a loved one, or even a distant relative!

SADS conditions are treatable, but only if the person affected is diagnosed. Encourage your family members to get screened as soon as possible; if you or a family member need help finding a heart rhythm specialist,click here to access our network of physicians.

How can I participate in Family Health History Month?

• Take the pledge and complete four simple steps this Family Health History Month to keep your family safe.
• Fill out your SADS Family Registration and start your family tree (pedigree) to find out who might be at risk in your family
• Talk with your family members and let them know about your SADS condition (see tips below).
• Sign up for our Genetic Testing Webinar. Learn more about genetic testing here.
• Contact your local media station and pitch your story to spread awareness. Just email Anna for materials.

What do your family members need to know?

It can be hard to know how to start conversations about SADS, especially with family members you aren’t regularly in contact with. If you haven’t told everyone in your extended family about you or your child’s condition, we have some points below that you can email to help start the conversation. We’re also happy to contact family members for you and answer any questions directly.

Click here for an email script that you can copy/paste with your info and send to your family members.

Click here for a family tree (pedigree) that you can use for your family.

Thanks to for the educational grant to enable us to provide this awareness program.

Invitae is offering the Detect Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmia Program, which is a no-charge genetic testing and counseling program for individuals suspected of having a familial cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia.