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Sudden Cardiac Death

Monday 7 March 2005

A leading Northern Ireland charity has expressed concern that measures to combat sudden cardiac deaths will be introduced in England but not in Northern Ireland.

A leading Northern Ireland charity has expressed concern that measures to combat sudden cardiac deaths will be introduced in England but not in Northern Ireland.

The Health Secretary, Dr John Reid, has announced that screening will be introduced for close family members of sudden cardiac death syndrome victims. Relatives will be genetically tested for the largely inherited condition, which kills 400 people a year in England. These individuals may be fitted with an implant if they are at risk.

Andrew Dougal, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Association (NICHSA) said, “Although the number of people who die in this manner is relatively small, it causes great grief within the community. Within the last 12 months, two high profile young sportsmen died suddenly. This caused a wave of grief throughout the whole community. People feel that they need to do something to counteract this. Many sporting organisations have raised funds to ensure that portable external defibrillators are provided in sports grounds and other public places. This is highly commendable and will reduce sudden deaths from all types of heart disease.

However, it is important that screening is put in place for family members of those who suffer sudden cardiac death syndrome.

People in England are extremely fortunate to have the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, which has been in place since the year 2000. Many advances have been made in the treatment of heart disease in that country.

Sadly, such a framework has not been made available in Northern Ireland despite repeated requests from this Association.

NICHSA now calls upon Angela Smyth, Health Minister, to make a commitment that the same screening service will be made available in Northern Ireland.

The Association also wants to see improved treatment and diagnosis of irregular heart beats as is happening in England.”

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