Recent study showed link between fourteen common genetic variants with the increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Research team led by Dr. Christopher Newton-Cheh, of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Human Genetic Research and Cardiovascular Research Center analyzed genetic data from more than 13,000 people.

Another study also confirmed the association between these 12 variants with the increased risk. QT interval is basically the time from the beginning of electrical activation of the heart to the end of electrical relaxation .QT interval measured on electrocardiograms (EKGs) is used to assess patients' heart health. People with prolonged QT intervals have a higher risk of cardiac death.

Researchers said that the study could help prevent heart arrhythmia and prevent sudden cardiac death by limiting the use of medications that affect QT interval in people with these 14 gene variants, which are located in 10 different gene regions.

Dr. Christopher Newton-Cheh said: "From studies of families with congenital long-QT syndrome, we know that rare mutations with strong effects on ion channel function lead to QT prolongation and sudden death. But the common genetic basis for QT prolongation has been very difficult to establish."

Newton-Cheh emphasized that it's "premature to advocate screening gene variants for risk assessment, but someday it may be possible to identify individuals who are particularly high risk and should avoid" medications that can cause QT prolongation.