A leading charity is sounding the alarm over the number of young people in the UK who are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to undiagnosed heart conditions. Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a UK-based organisation that works to prevent young sudden cardiac death, is calling for routine heart screenings for young people after the recent collapse of Christian Eriksen, the 30-year-old footballer.
Eriksen's second cardiac collapse, which occurred during a match for his club, Brentford, has highlighted the need for increased awareness and screening for life-threatening heart conditions. According to CRY, each week in the UK, three young people die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.
CRY estimates that up to 800 young people die suddenly every year from a previously undiagnosed heart condition, with many more living with undiagnosed conditions that could lead to sudden death. The charity is now urging young people, their families, and healthcare professionals to take action and demand routine heart screenings.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) also supports the call for increased heart screenings, stating that 'many young people with undiagnosed heart conditions are at risk of sudden death.'
What this means for you: This is a stark reminder of the importance of heart health, and the need for young people to take action to protect themselves. If you are concerned about your heart health or that of a loved one, it is essential to speak to a healthcare professional and to demand routine heart screenings.