Young urged to keep eye on hearts

THE Ulster Council of the GAA are teaming up with a leading heart screening charity and the University of Ulster (Jordanstown) clinic to urge more young people to avail of what is a potentially life saving service.

While the GAA is one of the most influential sporting organisations in the country, with thousands of playing members between the ages of 14 and 35, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), offer the only independently funded heart-screening clinic service, based at the Jordanstown complex.

Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome (SADS) takes the lives of eight young and apparently healthy people every week in Britain, a statistic viewed only as the tip of the iceberg by experts.

There are sometimes no symptoms for SADS, and symptoms that do occur, often go unrecognised because the young person appears fit and healthy. With a simple Electrocardiogram (ECG), and diagnosis by an expert consultant cardiologist, many heart conditions can be detected.

Despite this, heart screening for young people is not compulsory and it is often not until a tragedy occurs that the extent of the problem is known.

Some of Ulster’s top GAA stars will be on hand to lend their backing to the new screening service at a special event in the UU clinic this afternoon.

Coaching and Games director with the Ulster Council Dr Eugene Young says that the service and follow-up provided by CRY is excellent.

“For the price of a pair of football boots, young people can be proactive through the screening and have peace of mind,” she said.