Launch of heart screening clinic
07 April 2009
LJMU and CRY are enabling young people in the North West to have screening for potentially critical heart-related conditions.
LJMU is helping prevent the deaths of young people by launching the region's first heart screening clinic.
MP Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, officially opened the clinic on Monday, April 6. Established by LJMU in conjunction with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), the clinic will enable young people in the North West to have screening for potentially critical heart-related conditions.
Every week in the UK, 12 people under 35 die from sudden cardiac death, with many of the deaths occurring during sporting activity. Sometimes there are no indications that a young person has a condition or the symptoms are not investigated due to the young person's apparent fitness. A simple electrocardiogram (ECG) and diagnosis by an expert consultant cardiologist can detect most heart conditions but screening is not compulsory and it is often only when a young person dies that the true extent of the problem is discovered.
The new clinic, at LJMU's Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning building, Henry Cotton Campus, off Webster Street, provides a subsidised service where people aged 14 to 35 can be screened and, if necessary, receive fast track access to leading cardiologists.
LJMU was chosen as the venue for the clinic due to its world-leading reputation in cardiovascular science and strong relationships with local cardiologist units.
CRY is a national organisation which campaigns for screening and subsidises clinics in its fight to stop unnecessary deaths.
For more information or to book an appointment at the clinic, see www.c-r-y.org.uk/liverpool.htm
