Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
12 March 2018 09:09
Heart conditions often go unnoticed
Many people with deadly inherited heart conditions are only diagnosed after suffering cardiac arrest, research has shown.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) revealed that about one in five of these patients only find out the gene is in the family when a family member suffers an attack.
Sudden death syndrome
Around 620,000 people in the UK have a faulty gene which puts them at a particularly high risk of developing heart disease or dying suddenly at a young age, the charity said.
Each child of someone with an inherited heart condition has a 50% chance of inheriting the same faulty gene - but many people remain undiagnosed.
It's also estimated that around 12 young people (those under the age of 35) die of a heart condition each week in the UK.
Urgent need for better diagnosis
The figures have been released as part of BHF's In Your Genes campaign, which aims to raise awareness of inherited heart conditions and highlight the urgent need for better diagnosis.
People are being urged to investigate patterns of inherited heart diseases within their family.
Once someone has been diagnosed with an inherited heart condition, cascade testing - a type of genetic testing - should be carried out on all first-degree relatives.
BHF medical director Professor Sir Nilesh Samani said: "It is extremely important that family members are offered genetic testing when there's a history of sudden death or premature heart disease in a family.
"Once diagnosed, many of these conditions are manageable with medication or ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) and can prevent needless deaths.
"All too often, people aren't familiar with their family history, or they aren't aware that a sudden death might be linked to an underlying heart condition.
"We need to improve awareness of these conditions and ensure that people have equal access to cascade genetic testing across the UK."
Anyone with a history of unexplained sudden deaths in their family should speak to their GP or call the BHF Genetic Information Service on 0300 456 8383.
We offer a wide range of medical insurance packages for travellers. Make sure you find the right one for you before you head abroad.
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
[more...]
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.