Sports enthusiasts targeted in heart screening scheme

Published on Wednesday 13 August 2008 22:08

FITNESS fanatics and sports enthusiasts across Scotland could benefit from a heart screening programme launched yesterday to help to prevent sudden deaths in young people.

The pilot scheme, launched at Hampden Park, will focus on young amateur athletes to stop sudden cardiac deaths, such as that of the Motherwell captain, Phil O'Donnell, last year.

Others taking part in less-organised sporting activities, such as going to the gym, running or playing football with friends, will also be able to ask their GP to refer them to the programme. Campaigners who have called for cardiac screening yesterday welcomed the launch of the 200,000 scheme – only the third of its kind in the world. The programme, which will involve a series of tests, including an electrocardiogram and ultrasound scan of the heart, will be offered to those aged over 16.

The tests will look for signs of heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD).

At least 70 deaths among young people a year are put down to SCD.

In December last year, Phil O'Donnell died of heart failure after collapsing during a match, prompting calls for wider screening of athletes to spot potential heart problems.