Hemel Hempstead MP, Sir Mike Penning, has pledged support for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) ongoing campaign for a national strategy for the prevention of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD).

Chief Executive of CRY, Dr Steven Cox, commented; “It was very encouraging to have the support of so many MPs. Many MPs have told us about the impact young sudden cardiac deaths have had on their constituents and the communities they represent. Some had very personal stories of the devastating impact of these tragedies.

“We are continuing to campaign to help establish a national strategy for the prevention of young sudden cardiac death to ensure the government acts to prevent the hundreds of deaths of young people each year from these undiagnosed cardiac conditions.”

Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy young (aged 35 and under) people in the UK die suddenly from an undiagnosed heart defect. In 80% of these cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms until it is too late, which is why CRY believes screening is so vitally important.

Any person aged 14-35 can go to www.testmyheart.org.uk to book an appointment for a free heart screening which includes an ECG. CRY also provides the follow up ultrasound test on the same day. CRY now tests around 30,000 young people each year and well over 190,000 since the screening programme was launched in 1995.

Sir Mike said:

“I am very concerned at rumours that the National Screening Committee (NSC) is set to recommend ‘against’ screening for the risk of sudden cardiac death in the young. CRY tell me that 1 in 300 people screened have a cardiac condition that can benefit from treatment or lifestyle advice.

“I absolutely support the CRY campaign for a national screening programme for young people.”