A woman has issued a stark warning to the public about the importance of a free heart tests after her best friend tragically died from an undiagnosed condition.
Katie Mary, known as @itskatiemary on TikTok, shared the heartbreaking news of her friend’s sudden death and emphasised the need for regular health checks.
In a serious tone, she said: “So this is a little bit more of a serious one – it’s a very, very important one though and if someone can take something away from this and it saves their life, then that is the best thing. In 2021 my best friend suddenly passed away and we found out that it was due to an undiagnosed heart condition.
“I’m here to raise awareness because there is a way that you can get your heart tested for free. If you are aged 14 to 35, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is an organisation that scan young people’s heart for free all across the country. And they look for any undiagnosed heart conditions, which is done annually.
“You can sign up through their website and you go along to the appointment. You have an ECG then get reviewed by a cardiology nurse or doctor there and if they aren’t happy with anything from that ECG, then they will send you for an echocardiogram on the same day at the site as well just see what’s going on.”
CRY can also refer you to hospitals and GP surgeries, she adds, stressing that this part is free. Whilst it won’t cost you any money, she says: “They do ask for donations but you don’t have to give one if you can’t afford one. So many people in the UK are dying every single week due to undiagnosed heart conditions and unexplained deaths so if you can get your heart tested then please go and do it.”
Just like many other charities, CRY do a number of fundraising events each year – one of which Katie is doing. She revealed: “In a couple of weeks time, I am walking 10K. I’m doing the heart of London bridges walk to raise awareness and fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young in memory of my friend.
“It is so so important to go and get your heart tested. I know it can be a pain having to drive somewhere but honestly it could really save your life. I will never not go to my scans every single year”. Also pushing for the screening to be on the NHS for young people annually, she says in the meantime, “this amazing charity” provides it for free, adding “please, please, please donate and please get your heart tested.”
What is the purpose of cardiac screening?
The charity says: “Sometimes an individual may have a cardiac abnormality without any symptoms. Screening with an electrocardiogram (ECG) is aimed at identifying people with conditions such as heart muscles disorders or electrical faults of the heart.”
Who is the CRY heart screening for?
The charity CRY emphasises the importance of cardiac screening for young people aged 14-35, stating: “At CRY, we believe all young people aged 14-35 should have the opportunity to be screened. Cardiac incidents can take place at any time. They are not limited to high-intensity sport; they may occur just jogging across the park or when asleep at night. The screenings programme is not just for people who play sport.”
If a condition is detected, CRY explains that the next steps depend on the specific diagnosis and advises anyone with concerns or experiencing symptoms such as chest pain during exercise, loss of consciousness, breathlessness, dizziness, heart palpitations, fluttering feeling, or unexplained fainting, particularly during exercise, to contact their GP.
Furthermore, CRY adds an urgent note for those who experience sudden fainting without warning, advising: “If you pass out with no warning (i.e. you collapse and do not protect yourself by putting out your hands) please contact CRY prior to your GP appointment.”