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Free Heart Screenings for Young Footballers Launched
6 Jun
Summary
- Free heart screenings are available to young players and referees.
- The pilot project targets individuals aged 18-35 in Lincolnshire.
- The initiative aims to prevent sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes.
Young footballers and referees in Lincolnshire can now access free heart screenings through a new pilot project. This initiative, a partnership between the Lincolnshire Football Association and Lincoln Private Hospital, aims to detect potential underlying heart conditions among participants.
The scheme provides 100 free ECG appointments over the next 12 months for registered players and referees aged 18 to 35. This preventative measure is being introduced because serious cardiac incidents are rare but can be linked to strenuous exercise, with sudden cardiac death affecting many young people annually.
Cardiologist Professor David O'Brien, who is leading the clinical aspect, stated that preventing even one sudden cardiac death would make the effort worthwhile. Participants will undergo an ECG, with further echocardiograms scheduled if abnormalities are detected. The one-year pilot will assess demand and the program's impact.
