Young people who may be genetically susceptible to heart disease could risk suffering sudden cardiac arrest, according to a cardiologist who insists there is no need for alarm.
It is rather unusual and often unheard of to suggest that, despite their age, some youths can still succumb to natural life-threatening situations, Mark Abela, who is heading a research project called Beat It, says.
Sudden cardiac death is a rare phenomenon, which gained the scientific community’s attention because the victims are often young, well and presumed to be healthy, he notes.
Such cases of sudden cardiac arrest in Malta are scattered across the years but it was still important to look into them.
Young athletes are known to be at higher risk because of the excessive exercise regimes they pursue, Dr Abela notes.
Launched in the beginning of this scholastic year, Beat It seeks to identify individuals at the highest risk of sudden cardiac death. The study is focusing on fifth forms in over 40 schools across Malta and Gozo.
A total of 2,600 students have been screened as part of the study so far and 110 of them, about four per cent, required further evaluation, according to Dr Abela.
They will be subjected to stress tests, a heart ultrasound (echo-cardiogram), blood tests, cardiac MRIs, ECG holter monitoring and routine follow-ups, depending on the initial findings.
A total of 2,600 students have been screened as part of the study so far and 110 of them, about four per cent, required further evaluation
Studies indicate that the small gene pool in Malta might give rise to a higher prevalence of genetic conditions, including heart disease, as is the case with thalassemia and diabetes.
The high prevalence of obesity, together with the fact that Maltese adolescents are usually very inactive, increases the risk of coronary artery disease, Dr Abela remarks.
He was quick to point out that the prevalence of sudden cardiac death remains a rare phenomenon and, thus, there is no need for alarm. He did insist, however, that due importance should be given to routine compulsory screening, which, research shows, drastically decreases the death rates among athletes over the past two to three decades.
“Good cardiac screening and thorough medical check-ups can help identify young individuals at risk,” he advises.
As part of the study, students were asked to fill a questionnaire that sought to compile information on certain symptoms, including chest pain, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath and family history.
Consenting students then underwent an ECG and doctors conducted a clinical assessment, interpreting the questionnaire replies and the ECG results on site in schools.
“Based on international guidelines, the ECG and questionnaire allow us to select those potentially at risk of underlying heart disease, some of whom might even be at risk of sudden death,” Dr Abela says.