The National Centre for Cardiac Risk in Younger Persons provides screening and assessment for family members who have died suddenly from cardiac causes.
In its first annual report, the director of the centre said a small percentage of those people screened were identified as being at significant risk of sudden death and were referred for an implantable defibrillator, which will recognise a life-threatening rhythm problem and shock them out of it within 20 seconds.
Dr Deirdre Ward said about 50% of patients were told that they were fine and needed no further treatment.
She said about 30-40% of young patients did not need treatment at the time, but would require check-ups in the future especially if there is a family history of cardiac conditions.
Dr Ward said they may carry the gene for a cardiac condition but may not have developed the abnormality yet.
She said 10% of the 1,380 patients they had seen had a definite diagnosis of cardiac condition and required treatment such as medication or were advised to make lifestyle changes.
National Centre for Cardiac Risk also runs a twice monthly clinic in St James's Hospital and is hoping to start a satellite service in St Vincent's Hospital.
Over 5,000 people suffer cardiac sudden death in Ireland every year, of which 60-80 are under 35 years of age.
