Lisa Marie Presley died after cardiac arrest - the importance of genetic testing

The tragic news of Lisa Marie Presley's death has brought attention to hereditary heart disease, an issue that Medisol wants to raise awareness about heart disease, CPR and the use of AEDs and to help prevent similar tragedies from happening.

Lisa Marie Presley, the 54-year-old singer and daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, died in Los Angeles hospital on Thursday 12 January 2023, following cardiac arrest. Before her death, she was found in critical condition at home by her ex-husband Danny Keough, who reportedly attempted to revive her before emergency services arrived. Her heart was said to have briefly started beating again before being taken to the hospital.

Hereditary heart disease: get tested!

The fact that her father, Elvis Presley, and his parents also died of cardiac arrest at a young age raises questions about the possibility of a hereditary defect. Elvis' mother died from heart failure and his father from cardiac arrest. A family history of heart disease makes it more likely to develop a heart problem in the future. In these cases, many heart disease experts recommend getting tested to determine if there is a predisposition to heart disease. Anyone who suspects they may have a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease should speak with their GP. A healthier lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease, even for those with a history of hereditary heart disease.

The importance of an AED

In addition to hereditary heart disease, it's important to note the importance of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in the event of a cardiac arrest. Even if you are not predisposed to heart disease, cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. It's crucial to initiate CPR as soon as possible and to use an AED to administer an electric shock to the heart, if necessary. The death of Lisa Marie Presley serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for such emergencies.