Athletes’ hearts ‘must be screened’

HIGH-LEVEL athletes should be screened for heart defects to prevent sudden adult death, according to the director of the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF).

Dr Vincent Maher said a policy requiring dedicated athletes to undergo Eco Cardiograms and ECGs may be necessary to prevent deaths such as those of 18-year-old rugby player John McCall.

The Irish U19 flanker, from Co Armagh, died of cardiac failure during the weekend’s World Cup clash against New Zealand in South Africa.