Cardiac Risk in the Young Research

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    EVALUATION OF THE 12 LEAD ECG AS A USEFUL TOOL IN IDENTIFYING YOUNG APPARENTLY HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS WITH CARDIAC DISEASE

  • IRAS ID

    179205

  • Contact name

    Sanjay Sharma

  • Contact email

    ssharma21@hotmail.com

  • Sponsor organisation

    St.George's University of London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    5 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young individuals (<35 years) is rare but has a devastating impact on the community because such individuals are usually apparently healthy and lose several decades of life. SCD is commonly due inherited cardiovascular diseases that can be detected during life and the majority of victims are asymptomatic. Therefore the reliable identification of affected individuals has become a major focus of the scientific community.

    The charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is committed to reducing the frequency of SCD in the young. CRY have developed a heart screening programme and funds medical research. Young individuals (aged 14-35 years) can self-refer for cardiac screening in their geographical vicinity or undergo screening as per the requirements of their sporting organization. Cardiovascular screening involves a consultation and physical examination by a cardiologist and an ECG. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is also performed as part of screening if there are any abnormal symptoms , family history,physical examination or ECG abnormalities. A small proportion of individuals may require further investigation to confirm or refute the diagnosis of a cardiac condition. Additional investigations are performed in their local hospital through a referral from the GP. The individuals screened are invited to participate in the study, and their test results are collected and analysed in this study.

    The aim of the research is to:
    (1)Improve our understanding of the ECG in young individuals.
    (2)Determine the prevalence of potentially sinister cardiac conditions in the young (irrespective of athletic status).
    (3)Explore the most effective strategy to detect these conditions.
    (4)Determine the cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular screening.

  • REC name

    London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/LO/0081

  • Date of REC Opinion

    27 Jan 2016

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion