Cardiac arrest in the young: rare but possible

Abstract

Abstract published with permission. It can be hard to believe that someone young and active may be at risk from heart problems, but each week in the UK at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die from undiagnosed heart conditions. Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is a charity that works to support families affected by the sudden cardiac death of a young person, to help young people who have been diagnosed with life threatening heart conditions and to reduce the number of tragedies that occur. 2010 marked the 15th anniversary year of CRY. Here, Gareth Mallon, a community paramedic and developing tutor for the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), discusses his personal involvement with the charity in more detail.