A screening system needs to be put in place to reduce the number of sudden sports-related deaths, a conference in Bantry, Co Cork heard at the weekend.
Prof William McKenna of St George's Hospital in London told the "Sudden Death in Sport" conference at the Westlodge Hotel that it would be hugely beneficial to have a sponsored screening system to identify at risk individuals and families.
"It is essential such a programme is implemented and developed here. I am confident such screening systems will be put in place both in Ireland and the UK over the next two to three years. These will undoubtedly save lives in the future."
Cardiac disorders are genetically inherited and passed down through generations, he said. "If one experiences warning symptoms such as fainting during training and a sudden death has occurred in the family over the years, the whole family should be thoroughly screened and tested for signs of a cardiac disorder."
The screening is straightforward and is the best method available to diagnose and identify at risk families and save lives. Prof McKenna explained that the cardiac disorders, which cause SADS, are a relatively new sub-speciality in cardiology and only now are a greater number of specialists emerging.
He said symptoms could be so subtle and hard to detect that most cardiologists today were not trained or equipped to properly diagnose potential problems associated with SADS.
When asked what could be done by sports organisations to treat sports cardiac emergencies Prof McKenna recommended that large, well-resourced organisations such as the GAA should invest in portable defibrillators to resuscitate affected people. "Defibrillators are incredibly simple to use and could save lives on the pitch. They are relatively inexpensive and I urge all sports clubs with the resources to have one at hand," he said.
SADS is caused by a variety of heart conditions that may result in unexpected cardiac arrests.
Up to 50 per cent of people who die of the condition display no warning symptoms. It tends to affect men, many around the age of 30. Doctors believe it may be caused by heart arrhythmias - when the heartbeat races without warning. This can cause fainting or in very rare cases death.