March 29, 2008­–CHICAGO, Il–If the date of a loved one’s passing is approaching, beware. The anniversary of the death of a close family member, especially a mother or father, is a significant trigger for Sudden Death (SD), especially in men, according to research presented today at the American College of Cardiology’s 57th Annual Scientific Session. Understanding the triggers of SD—death that is unexpected and occurs rapidly, frequently within one hour of the onset of symptoms and usually due to lethal arrhythmias—may help researchers discover ways to anticipate and prevent premature loss of life.

Karen Etheridge, Brandon, MS – 40 at the time of the incident (September 29, 1995)

Karen Etheridge wasn’t having much luck in the Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi on Sept. 29, 1995. So, deciding to cut her losses and go home, she sat down while husband John went to cash in what was left of their chips.

That action came horrifyingly close to becoming a metaphor as Karen’s luck turned even worse in the next few minutes.

“I jumped up,” she said, relying on second-hand accounts to relate the incidents of which she herself has no memory, “I grabbed my chest and fell down.”

Fortunately, there was an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the premises.