Cardiac Screening

Following the completion of a two-year research programme in which nearly 300 GAA players were examined in an attempt to assess the effectiveness of various screening methods, the GAA’s Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee updated its position paper on Cardiac Screening.

The GAA now advise that the most effective way to identify risk is for players over the age of 14 to undergo cardiac screening on one occasion. It is also advised that this process be repeated before the age of 25.

Players should consult their family doctor if they wish to get screened and screening should consist of completion of the GAA’s Cardiac Screening Questionnaire (link below), a Physical Examination and an ECG.

As part of its commitment in this context and to aid diagnosis, the GAA in conjunction with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have implemented an additional relationship with Dr Joseph Galvin in the Mater Private Hospital.

Any GP who carries out an ECG can send this to Dr Galvin For a second opinion without charge.

In order to avail of this service, GPs should contact Eoghan Tuohey, the GAA’s Player Welfare Manager in Croke Park (eoghan.tuohey@gaa.ie) or telephone: 01 819 2923.

As an alternative to attending your GP, Carryduff GAC is exploring cardiac screening through a recognised private screening service, should there be sufficient interest from members. This screening would be carried out by Tony McEntee’s ‘Healthy Hearts, Healthy Lives’ team.

The principal tests carried out are:

Screening questionnaire
Electrocardiogram
Blood Pressure recording

All tests are performed by cardiac physiologists and recorded (offline) by a consultant cardiologist. Following the consultant report, an echocardiogram / ambulatory (Holter) monitor may be recommended, but would be arranged at no additional cost. This is typically required for approximately 10% of those screened. Results will be returned within two weeks unless a follow up echo is required. All attendees will receive their results in a letter to their home address. The age range is 14 years old and upwards. Anyone younger than 16 must get parental consent. The target audience for sudden adult death syndrome is typically 14-40. They will screen anyone older than 40 years old who wishes, but only on the basis that they know that the risk of follow up test is higher due to cardiac disease. Healthy Hearts, Healthy Lives’ charge £45 per person being screened, which would be payable on Klubfunder prior to screening.