3,500 free heart checks since 2007

MORE than 3,500 people with worrying heart symptoms or a family member with a genetic heart condition have been assessed for free by the Centre for Cardiac Risk in Younger Persons (CRYP) since 2007.

According to the latest CRYP report, more than 1,350 people were screened in the centre last year with 10% of these eventually diagnosed with a heart condition.

The age range of patients screened was from one to 74 years, with most aged between 14 and 35 years.

The report also showed:

* 50% of patients were reassured and discharged after one visit.

* 40% had normal readings to date but required a follow-up.

* Three people referred for internal defibrillators.

CRYP also provides counselling for those diagnosed with a heart condition or those who have lost a family member to sudden cardiac death.

Consultant cardiologist and co-director of the centre, Dr Deirdre Ward, said they are very happy their success so far, but demand has already exceeded capacity.

“We face challenges in even continuing our current level of service, and ideally we would like to expand our service to eliminate all waiting times. In addition to expanding our clinical service we aim to expand our involvement in research into sudden cardiac death and its causes.”

* www.cryp.ie.