Every week in the UK, at least 12 young people die of an undiagnosed heart condition, according to UK-based charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). These young people are victims of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), an umbrella term for the many different causes of cardiac arrest in young people.

In most cases of SDS there are no obvious symptoms before a death occurs; therefore screening is an essential way to prevent SDS in the young.  A simple way to diagnose most heart irregularities is an electrocardiogram (ECG) test.  These tests are available through the NHS if a sudden death under the age of 35 has occurred in the family. Additionally, both the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and International Olympic Committee recommend cardiac screening for all competitive athletes, as sports can trigger a sudden death by aggravating an undetected heart abnormality.

Although much has been done in the way of raising awareness of SDS, CRY is campaigning for all young people to have a routine ECG to aid in the diagnosis of heart abnormalities. The charity regularly offers subsidized electrocardiogram screening to those between the ages of 14 and 35.  Philips supports CRY through the donation of state of the art ECG and electrocardiograph imaging systems at its screening days in the UK.

In 2009, Philips also partnered with CRY for the Test My Heart tour, a mobile screening unit that toured the UK offering free heart testing to young people aged 14 to 35.  This initiative was a continuation of the Heart Screening Awareness Partnership which was launched by CRY’s patron, David Walliams in 2007.

Kip