Every week in the United Kingdom, 12 young people considered "healthy and physically strong" suddenly lose their lives due to previously undetected heart diseases.
Medianews.az reports that the organization "Cardiac Risk in the Young" has released information on this matter.
The organization stated that in approximately 80 percent of these cases, no signs or symptoms are observed before death.
Experts consider it essential for young people aged 14-35 to undergo regular screening for hidden heart diseases. These examinations include an electrocardiogram (ECG) measuring heart rhythm and electrical activity, and, if necessary, an echocardiogram evaluating the heart's structure and function.
Scientists from City, University of London analyzed the ECG results of over 104,000 young people between 2008 and 2018. The study showed that among every 300 young people screened, one was found to have heart diseases that could lead to fatal outcomes if left uncontrolled and untreated.
More than 40 percent of those diagnosed received interventions such as pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, ablation surgery, and in some cases, heart transplantation to reduce the risk. Other patients were provided with a treatment plan.
The study leader, Professor Michael Papadakis, stated that heart screening can save lives. According to him, a one-time examination is not enough because some heart diseases develop later and are difficult to detect in the early stages.
Experts believe that smarter and more consistent preventive measures can play an important role in preventing sudden cardiac deaths among young people.