Craig calls for a national strategy for the prevention of young sudden cardiac death

Craig Mackinlay MP, the Member of Parliament for South Thanet, has supported an event organised by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) calling for a national strategy for the prevention of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD).

50 MPs attended the charity’s first ever ‘drop in’ session, held at Portcullis House, hosted by long term supporter of CRY and Chair of its All-Party Parliamentary Group [APPG], Kevan Jones MP.

The event was set against the controversial backdrop of the recent news that a revised consultation document from the National Screening Committee (NSC) is set to recommend ‘against’ screening for the risk of sudden cardiac death in the young. 

CRY MP pledge 25/06/2019

The number of MPs who have now signed a pledge to support a national strategy to prevent sudden cardiac death (#MPSupport4CRY) stands at 171.

Craig Mackinlay MP commented:

“Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people in the UK, aged 35 and under, die suddenly from an undiagnosed heart defect.

“In 80% of these cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms until it is too late, which is why I believe a national strategy for the prevention of young sudden cardiac deaths is so vitally important.

“Any person aged 14-35 can go to www.testmyheart.org.uk to book an appointment for a free heart screening which includes an ECG.”

CRY now tests around 30,000 young people each year and well over 190,000 since the screening programme was launched in 1995.

CRY MP pledge 25/06/2019

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