Not a cheerful topic, but I know that many of us will have kids that ride bikes or race and this is well worth a read:
http://www.islabikes.co.uk/cardiacriskintheyoung
I will draw your attention to a couple of quotes:
The vast majority of sudden deaths are among 14 to 18 years olds who are pushing themselves but aren’t quite at the level where they will be screened as a matter of course. So you do see deaths among the highest level of athletes but it’s very rare because it usually occurs as young athletes push themselves to reach that level.
“In Italy, where it’s mandatory that anybody taking part in any kind of organised sport has to have an ECG, they have reduced instances of Young Sudden Cardiac Deaths by 89 per cent.”
They only test after 14yo, because before then they get too many false-positives as the body changes through puberty, but if you're interested, you can sign up here: http://www.testmyheart.org/
My Father and Grandfather died of HOCM. I'm not a carrier but have had AF so, having just read the link from Islabikes I'm getting my 14yo tested
Good post OP. I noted this popped up on facebook today as well. Good to see free screening is available from age 14.
Just for a bit of balance, it's worth also reading this article before you sign up. I believe the screening may not be free either.
http://www.bmj.com/content/353/bmj.i1156
A subject that is quite close to my heart at the moment.
Several years ago a colleague's son collapsed and passed away during a football training session. She has since raised money for CRY and raised funds for screening sessions to take place at a local school.
My eldest son attended one last year and had an abnormality that was put down to him having an 'immature heart'. We were told to wait a year and get him re-tested.
He was tested about 6 weeks ago and he still has an abnormal heart trace. Apparently his trace can be associated with athletes but it needs checking out.
We have just had the appointment date for a repeat echo and subsequent sports tolerance test.
He races at a high standard (is on the BC youth 'academy') so the suggestion that it may be down to his fitness level is slightly reassuring.
I think there needs to be more awareness of the risk and more funding for screening. I am surprised that more governing bodies do not fund testing for youth athletes.
I believe the screening may not be free either.
When you go to book a place, it explicitly states that the screening is "free of charge":
https://www.appointment.com/customer/book_appointment_select.php?pid=64008&dt=1502582400
Some of the CRY screening sessions are sponsored by supporters / fundraisers and therefore "free".
My eldest also races youth and had a screening a few weeks ago. Relieved it came back OK, particularly as he had a heart murmur that required yearly checks up to age 5 (no sign of murmur now). They just recommended he is checked again in a few years.
Mick, did you do this through CRY or another organisation?
