Addressing Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Indians: A Narrative Review of Innovative Screening Strategies

Abstract Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major global public health issue, especially among young Indians. Genetic conditions such as arrhythmogenic disease and inherited cardiomyopathies cause many SCD cases under 40 years, with 30% remaining unexplained after death. Despite advances, at-risk individuals are often undetected due to inadequate screening tools and healthcare resources. This article advocates for a holistic approach combining current diagnostics and best practices. It highlights artificial intelligence, particularly electrocardiogram (ECG)-based deep learning models, for risk stratification in low-resource settings. The use of the American Heart Association’s 14-item screening questionnaire is recommended for early detection of congenital and genetic heart issues. Genetic testing is also emphasized as vital for selectively identifying high-risk individuals. The article reviews primary care screening methods such as integrating SCD tools into routine noncommunicable disease checks, telemedicine ECG models, and risk questionnaires, followed by urgent referral. Pilot studies are essential to evaluate tool effectiveness, and community engagement is needed for implementation. Ultimately, SCD prevention requires a collaborative effort that integrates innovative approaches into existing healthcare systems.