Screenings reveal hidden heart risks in young women
Simple heart screenings are identifying young women with undiagnosed conditions that put them at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), according to UK researchers. This challenges the common perception that SCD mainly affects sporty young men. The findings come from a review of a voluntary screening service that has been running in the UK since the early 1990s.
Nearly 40,000 women aged 14 to 35 underwent heart checks through the service, which is funded by a charity working with bereaved families. Among them, 175 were found to have previously undetected heart issues despite appearing fit and healthy. Of these, 94 were considered at high risk of sudden cardiac death.
Why this matters
Sudden cardiac death can occur without warning and is a leading cause of death in young people under 35 in the UK, claiming around 12 lives each week. While the risk is higher in boys and young men, young women are also vulnerable. Many affected individuals show no symptoms and may appear healthy, making early detection difficult but crucial.
Early diagnosis through screening can save lives by identifying those at risk before a fatal event occurs. The UK National Screening Committee is currently reviewing whether all individuals over 14 should be routinely screened for conditions linked to SCD. A public consultation on this matter is expected but has not yet been scheduled.
Challenges in screening and diagnosis
Screening for SCD risk involves balancing the detection of genuine cases against the anxiety and potential harm caused by unnecessary testing. Simple tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs) can miss some heart conditions. In the recent study, 92 heart issues were overlooked by screening, including 28 that were considered fairly major.
Some causes of sudden cardiac death are inherited, and the NHS offers free family screenings when a genetic risk is suspected. However, in about 5% of cases, no clear cause can be identified even after thorough investigation.
Personal story highlights importance of screening
Kaitlin Lawrence, 24, from Surrey, was diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder after collapsing during a netball game. She describes losing consciousness suddenly and being unable to be revived by her teammates until emergency services arrived. Kaitlin now has a defibrillator implanted in her chest, which has saved her life twice by delivering electric shocks to restore her heart rhythm.
“It feels like a thump when it happens,” she says. “I had one recently in February. It’s a bit scary, but it works.” She also takes beta-blocker medication to help regulate her heart rhythm. Kaitlin believes her condition could have been detected earlier with a simple ECG test. Since her diagnosis, her family and many friends have undergone heart screenings.
Background on sudden cardiac death in young people
Sudden cardiac death in young people often results from structural or electrical problems in the heart, many of which are inherited. Triggers such as cold showers or physical activity can provoke fatal heart events in those with undiagnosed conditions. The charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) runs voluntary screening programs and notes that some sudden cardiac deaths may be misclassified as asthma, epilepsy, or drowning.
The recent findings from CRY’s decade-long screening program were presented at the British Cardiovascular Society’s annual meeting in Manchester.
Recommended reading
For more context, see related Peack News coverage and explainers linked below.
