Heart tests reduce risk to players

Regular check-ups can prevent sudden death One in 266 were found to have cardiac condition

A new study has found that young academy players, professionals or even those footballers who have stopped formal training are at increased risk of dying suddenly from an underlying heart condition.

Published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, the research underlines the importance of monitoring the wellbeing of young sportspeople and ensuring that heart screenings are carried out regularly.

Supported by the heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young, and the Football Association, the 10-year study was based at London’s St George’s University and has followed increased awareness of the issue following the deaths of Marcvivien Foe, Junior Dian, Danny Wilkinson – and the collapse in 2012 of Fabrice Muamba. The study analysed more than 11,000 players aged 16 or 17 who had undergone heart screening as part of regular medicals from academy levels onwards.

“Of this cohort, one in 266 (42 players) were diagnosed with a condition associated with young sudden cardiac death,” said lead author Dr Aneil Malhotra. “Reassuringly, of this group, almost three quarters were able to return to play later – following either corrective surgery or risk stratification.

“However, tragically, two of those who were advised against competitive sport died later, during exercise, highlighting how serious these conditions can be.”

The research was overseen by the cardiologist Professor Sanjay Sharma. “Sudden deaths in footballers are more common than we previously believed, and, despite screening, cardiac conditions are still the leading cause of death in footballers,” said Professor Sharma.

“The most important finding in this paper is the necessity for those athletes who are pushing their bodies to their limits every day, to be tested regularly, through to early adulthood, to pick up those conditions which develop after the teenage years.”

Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy people aged 35 and under in the UK die suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. In Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, the incidence of young sudden cardiac death has been reduced by 90 per cent.