Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Every week in the UK, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people aged 35 and under die from undiagnosed cardiac conditions. This is Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS).

Of the 600 young sudden cardiac deaths that occur each year, 80% are in people with no prior symptoms. Identification prior to death is only possible with cardiac screening.

Through screening services, it has been discovered that 1 in 300 young people screened are identified as carrying a serious cardiac condition. The results have also shown that 1 in 100 screened will have a less serious cardiac condition that could cause health problems in later life.

Since many cases of SDS are preventable, if heart conditions are detected and treated, lives can be saved. For example, in Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, the incidence of young sudden cardiac death has been reduced by 89%.

Screening with an  Electrocardiogram (ECG) is aimed at identifying people with conditions such as cardiomyopathies or electrical faults of the heart. An ECG records the natural electrical activity of a person’s heart. The heart produces electrical impulses which cause the heart to contract. Small stickers known as electrodes are placed on the chest and the wires connect to an ECG machine whilst you lie still. The machine can detect these impulses and therefore tell if there is a problem with the heart. A printout of the heart’s electrical activity is obtained for evaluation by the cardiologist.

Heart screening is also about building an understanding of these conditions as every person evaluated contributes towards more efficient diagnoses in the future.

This test is painless, non-invasive, and takes only a few minutes to perform.

Canterbury Rugby Club & Screening

We at Canterbury Rugby Club take SDS very seriously and want to ensure that all our young athletes are given access to an ECG screening as described above.

We are therefore delighted to announce that screenings have been arranged for the weekend of 19^th and 20^th November 2022 at the Marine Travel Ground with appointments available between 0900 and 1600 on each day.

We are also pleased to announce that the screening will be free of charge because we simply feel that this is too important to be missed.

Appointments are only available to player members aged 14 – 35 (inclusive) and because the application process for obtaining an appointment involves the completion of a health questionnaire and may make medical history enquiries, you must make the appointment yourself or on behalf of your child.

If you fit the above criteria contact members@cantrugby.co.uk now for details on how to book your appointment.

Please don’t miss this screening opportunity.

Over the past few months, we have lost a number of our members, and we are sad to report that Canterbury Hellfire Wheelchair Rugby Chairman Brian Pitchford sadly passed away in the early hours on the 1st of October 2022 aged 60. He was surrounded by his children Claire, Diane & Tony, and sisters Paola & Janice to whom we send our heartfelt condolences.

Brian was, without doubt, a Black and Amber man who came to as many matches as his health allowed. He led the wheelchair section from the front as a player, coach, mentor, and a friend to everyone he met. He was a source of strength and inspiration for all who knew him, he was a brave and courageous man who will be dearly missed.

The family will be gathering in the near future to celebrate his life and we will, of course, bring you those details as soon as we can.