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Young Lives Lost: Hidden Heart Dangers Strike
22 May
Summary
- Hundreds of young people die annually from undiagnosed heart conditions.
- A teenager died after paramedics and call handlers missed cardiac arrest signs.
- Parents advocate for national cardiac screening for all over-14s.
Seventeen-year-old Adam Ankers and 20-year-old Matthew Dunning, both fit and healthy, represent two of the 600 young people under 35 who tragically die from sudden cardiac arrest annually in the UK. These deaths are often caused by undiagnosed heart conditions. Their bereaved parents, from Oxfordshire and Hampshire respectively, are now supporting the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Adam Ankers collapsed during a football match on January 31, 2024, complaining of chest pains. Despite a defibrillator being present, it was not used. His inquest revealed failures by coaches and a 999 call handler to recognize his cardiac arrest symptoms. The coroner ruled that the failure to spot cardiac arrest "more than minimally" contributed to his death.
Matthew Dunning, a university physics student, collapsed and died in his bedroom in September 2025. His parents described him as 'loving life' and noted that despite previous health tests in 2022, no issues were found. His case, like Adam's, highlights the sudden and often unpredictable nature of these fatal events, which are sometimes referred to as 'the invisible killer'.
CRY advocates for proactive screening, stating that one in 300 people tested through their program are found to have potentially fatal hidden conditions. The UK National Screening Committee is currently reviewing the possibility of mandatory cardiac screening for all individuals over 14, with a public consultation expected in spring. The charity emphasizes that early detection and intervention, including lifestyle modifications and treatments, can be lifesaving.
