Pop-up heart-health hubs sought for Premier League clubs in England
Pop-up heart-health hubs sought for Premier League clubs in England
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Pilot of screening and treatment unit at Everton diagnosed almost one third of fans tested with hypertension. Premier League football clubs across England could soon offer fans a one-stop clinic, designed to scan, diagnose and treat some early signs of cardiovascular disease after a successful screening pilot.
Almost one in three football supporters screened at Everton football club’s, pop-up clinic this autumn were diagnosed with hypertension, the leading preventable risk factor for heart failure, heart attack and stroke. Almost one in five of those diagnosed were discovered to require emergency hospitalisation, which was averted by the immediate prescription of life-saving drugs.
“We were able to test, diagnose and provide vital medication within 60 minutes – a process that can take up to six months in the NHS,” said Dr Rajiv Sankaranarayanan, consultant cardiologist and clinical lead for the Beat Breathlessness Hub, run with the Everton in the Community charity.
Fans received a blood test, an AI echo heart scan and a specialist review. If needed, they were given life-changing medication and advice on how to improve their quality of life to reduce the risk of future hospitalisation. The Beat-HF national screening programme also diagnosed fans with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Where needed, these fans were also given life-saving medication.
