Sudden cardiac arrest – where the heart suddenly stops beating – is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 50 and under.

Worryingly, it can strike even seemingly healthy people, like 31-year-old Bryan Maris, an A-Grade cyclist who passed away in his sleep.

Bryan's wife, Jessica Maris, is now working to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and the need for more research in this space to better understand and prevent unnecessary death in younger Australians.

Jess’ children are now at risk of the same genetic condition that is believed to have led to Bryan's sudden cardiac arrest, adding to the urgency of her advocacy in this space.

Thanks to support from donors, the Heart Foundation is funding work by Dr Elizabeth Paratz to compile the world's largest registry of sudden cardiac deaths which will give scientists their closest look yet at possible causes in young people.

Listen in to learn more about sudden cardiac arrest and the efforts underway to keep young hearts beating.