Are there certain sports which are pre-disposed to long QT?
There is certainly a connection between certain sport deaths and long QT syndrome. The most common sporting discipline that is associated with sudden death in long QT syndrome is swimming. The thought process is that the dive into the water at the beginning of a swimming contest incites an adrenergic surge – that is a […]
What does it mean to be carrier?
There are certain people who are gene carriers for some of the conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or long QT syndrome but these individuals do not manifest any of the clinical features, ECG features or echocardiographic features of the condition. These types of individuals are known as obligate carriers. They can, however, pass the gene on […]
What can be learned from an MRI scan / exercise test / Holter monitor (24hr ECG)?
Most individuals who have a cardiac problem will be identified with an ECG and an echocardiogram. You’re probably aware that the ECG shows electrical problems of the heart and an echocardiogram reveals structural problems of the heart and gives us an idea of the heart size. In some situations, the echocardiogram is not as good as […]
Screening identifies risk. Are there different levels of risk?
Screening, identifies people with conditions that may cause sudden cardiac death – but our screening programme alone does not identify risk. Risk stratification for conditions such as this involves quite detailed subsequent investigation with things like 24 hour ECG, exercise stress testing and sometimes even electrophysiological testing. There are certain situations whereby we can accurately […]
If I need to be referred do I have to travel to London?
Following a cardiac ECG screening, between four and five percent of individuals will require further investigations. We always take the opportunity of offering these investigations at our CRY Cardiac Centre at King’s College Hospital or at the Olympic Medical Institute. However, we appreciate that some of these screenings take place very far away from London […]
I’m over 35. Where can I get tested?
If someone is aged over 35 and wishes to have cardiovascular screening for conditions that can predispose to sudden death then that screening would be available on the National Health Service if the individual has symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease or a family history of hypercholesterolemia. If they don’t have symptoms or any family history then […]
My GP doesn’t take my concerns seriously. What can I do?
There are certain symptoms and certain situations that should be taken seriously in young people. One of the major problems is that young people are perceived as the healthiest segment of our society and this perception is not incorrect. Many people feel that young people aged 20 or less are invincible and are very unlikely […]
Can my GP do the test?
At CRY, the screening programme involves a health questionnaire and a 12 Lead ECG. The health questionnaire refers to symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease and a family history of premature cardiac disease. There is no question that a General Practitioner can ascertain information required on the health questionnaire. My concerns are about the 12 Lead […]
Can I get this done on the NHS?
Screening for conditions causing sudden cardiac death is not offered on the National Health Service if an individual does not have any symptoms or a family history of heart disease. In March 2005, the 8th National Health Service Framework Chapter in Cardiology was launched which was basically dedicated to arrhythmias and preventing sudden death in […]
Can I get the same tests done locally, privately?
An ECG can be performed on the National Health Service in individuals who have symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease or a family history of premature cardiac disease or sudden cardiac death. If an individual does not have any symptoms or a family history then this sort of investigation is not offered on the National Health […]
