Plan to test 15-year-olds for hidden heart defects

The 30-minute tests, which would be carried out in schools, could be rolled out within five years if the scheme, set out by the Heart of Life Foundation, goes ahead.

Students and parents would have to consent to the procedures and results could be given instantly.

Consultant cardiologist at the Hospital Dr Andrew Mitchell, who is chief architect of the proposals, says that around ‘two to three’ people, often relatively young and healthy, die suddenly in the Island every year from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. In the UK ten to 12 people die every week from the condition.

A version of the scheme was run with children at Victoria College in 2010. Nine of the 97 participants were found to have previously undiagnosed cardiac abnormalities and three were diagnosed with hypertension – abnormally high blood pressure which can increase a person’s chance of a heart attack or stroke.

Full story in Monday’s JEP and for more information visit heartforlife.co.uk

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