Cry Reaches Out To Young People Affected By Heart Problems

The world of sport and cricket was rocked by the news yesterday that 26-year old Nottingham and England batsman, James Taylor would have to retire from the game following the diagnosis of a rare heart condition (reported to be Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy or ARVC).

But, for the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (or CRY) helping to “pick up the pieces” when a young, apparently fit and healthy person is suddenly told they have a potentially life threatening condition is an incredibly emotional task that requires time, sensitivity and an “expert ear” as they learn to navigate a very different journey to the one which they thought life would take them. It was the recognition of these needs that led to the development of CRY’s unique support group, www.myheart.org.uk

CRY’s Chief Executive, Dr Steven Cox – who Trinity has worked alongside with for the past 12 years said; “ARVC is a relatively rare condition, thought to affect between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 5,000 people. It commonly runs in families but other factors that contribute to the disease can include viral infection, inflammation and endurance exercise.

“CRY’s pioneering screening programme now tests over 23,000 young people every year, aged 14-35. Many sports now recommend routine testing for their elite athletes as some of the conditions that can cause young sudden cardiac death, including ARVC, can be ‘acquired’ or exacerbated by ongoing training and pressure exerted on the heart.”

Every week in the UK, around 12 young people (under the age of 35) die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.  80% of these deaths will occur with no prior symptoms, which is why proactive cardiac screening is so vital.

Although it won’t identify all young people at risk, in Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, they have reduced the incidence of young sudden cardiac death by 90%. This is because sport – whilst it does not actually cause sudden cardiac death – can significantly increase a young person’s risk if they have an underlying condition.

Unsurprisingly, the words of Dr Cox were picked up across the international media, with follow up interviews on Sky News, BBC World Service and features in specialist press such as the popular magazine, “All Out” http://www.alloutcricket.com/cricket/blogs/taylor-faces-his-toughest-test

And, James’ situation also attracted huge support via social media from other sportsmen whose lives and careers had been dramatically affected in the same way – from Fabrice Muamba to CRY Patron, Andy Scott, who also had to retire immediately from playing professional football when he was diagnosed with a condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 2005.

For now – and as James takes time to get well and think about his future – perhaps the final word from CRY should go to one its myheart members, who was diagnosed with genetic heart condition in 2006.

“I understand why some think young people can’t cope with being diagnosed, but my experience from the last 8 years has taught me that we have terrific reserves of resilience, adaptability and acceptance and it is important for young people to have the chance of a diagnosis. Some might find having a heart condition difficult to accept and struggle to cope but others will acknowledge their limitations and move on. For those who think young people can’t cope, I ask this – is it better to know and live, or not know and die?”