Brentford FC recently organised free heart screenings for people aged 18-35, in partnership with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
More than 160 people were screened at the Community Stadium Hub, located next to the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford captain Pontus Jansson and midfielder Josh Dasilva were also in attendance.
Heart screenings are the simplest way to diagnose most cardiac abnormalities and are conducted through an ECG (electrocardiogram) test.
According to CRY, in 80 per cent of cases of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD), there are no prior symptoms of a heart defect. Screening can help detect underlying cardiac conditions.
The event was part of Brentford’s Heart of West London campaign, which aims to improve cardiac health in the local community and beyond.
The sessions were arranged with the support of Suzanne Rowan, Robert Rowan’s wife, who was Brentford’s technical director and sadly lost his life at 28 after suffering a fatal cardiomyopathy episode.
CRY screenings (subtitles)
Suzanne said: “Robert’s family and I are incredibly grateful for the support with the screenings, and we’re delighted that so many young hearts have been checked by CRY in his memory.
“To have Pontus, Josh and some of the women’s team come along means the world and really helps to highlight the important work that CRY do.
"To do all of this in partnership with the Heart of West London is an honour and I’m so proud to be involved in this initiative.”
Find out more about Heart of West London.
If you were unable to attend our screening event, book one with CRY.