Health / Young people encouraged to think about signing up for free heart screenings
A MAN who unexpectedly had heart irregularities picked up in a free screening in Lerwick last year is encouraging young people to sign up for the same tests this summer.
Aaron Smith, who had no symptoms or underlying health conditions, underwent further investigations after the screening last year.
The 29-year-old said while nothing major has been picked up, he is due another check-up later this year.
More than 200 people attended the inaugural heart screening event for young people in Shetland last year, and it is set to return on 3 and 4 June.
Heart screening event proves a big success – and will return next year
The screenings are organised and funded through local group Shetland Heart Screening, and provided by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.
An online booking page for the 2023 screenings will go live at 4pm on Wednesday 26 April. There will be 200 spaces, and the age range is for 14 to 35 year olds.
Smith, a joiner and a keen football player, said he managed to get a cancellation appointment last year.
He decided to sign up as he is a father of two young children.
“I thought what’s the worst that could happen, at least it would be peace of mind,” Smith added.
“Then they told me I had irregularities and I’d have to get further testing. I wasn’t expecting it.”
During the screening a non-invasive ECG (electrocardiogram) test will take place, which may pick up some conditions. However, it will not detect things like anomalous coronary arteries and premature coronary artery disease.
Details for signing up to the 2023 heart screenings will be made available in due course on social media.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.