Cardiac Screening.
In some cases individuals have cardiac abnormalities without any symptoms.
Screening with an electrocardiogram (ECG) is aimed at identifying people with conditions such as heart muscles disorders or electrical faults of the heart.
How can I find out if I have a previously undiagnosed cardiac condition?
There are a number of different assessments that doctors can use to test your heart for cardiac conditions. The main two types of assessment used for screening are an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram.
Source - Cardiac Risk in the Young
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Most cardiac conditions can be diagnosed by using a basic ECG test. The NHS website (www.nhs.uk) explains: "An ECG is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they’re unusual".
An ECG is a non-invasive test, it is pain free and doesn’t cause any pain or side effects. Small sticky sensors are placed on your chest, arms and legs which are connected with wires to the ECG machine.
Source - Cardiac Risk in the Young
Echocardiogram.
If the results of an ECG are unusual a doctor would normally recommend a patient having an echocardiogram. The NHS website (www.nhs.uk) explains "an echocardiogram or 'echo' is a scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels. Its a type of ultrasound scan, which means a small probe is used to send out high-frequency sound waves that create echoes when they bounce off different parts of the body. These echoes are picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image that's displayed on a monitor while the scan is carried out."
An echocardiogram is also a non-invasive test, that is painless and has no side effects. Similar to an ECG, you will have small sticky sensors stuck to your chest, called electrodes. The person conducting the test will also apply some lubricating gel to the area of your chest where they are using the probe.
When someone is diagnosed with an inherited cardiac condition, it is important that full and complete family screening takes place.
In the first instance, this will be for their first-degree relatives (their parents (father or mother), full siblings (brother or sister) and children). Other relatives will then be tested if necessary. The screening will be clinical to begin with, meaning it will take place using tests determined by the cardiologist in an ICC Clinic, before moving on to genetic testing if appropriate..
Jay’s AIM supports the work of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). CRY holds cardiac screening sessions in locations all over the UK; these sessions are unique for offering an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram, when needed, on the same day. The sessions are free to attend for anyone between the ages of 14 and 35. Crucially, any abnormalities highlighted at a screening session must be followed up with thorough assessment and screening at an Inherited Cardiac Condition (ICC) Clinic.