Cardiac Sports ScreeningOnline booking

Cardiac Screening can help identify underlying heart conditions that can lead to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). AMS’s cardiac screening service is based on the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the international Olympic Committee (IOC). Approximately 2 young people under 35 die per week in Ireland from SADS. Sadly this number is approximately 12 in the UK.

 

Why Cardiac Screening?

Up to 100 young people die each year in Ireland from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

1 in 300 people may have a cardiac abnormality.

The National register recently reported that the incidence of SADS is higher in Ireland than many other european countries.

In Italy cardiac screening is mandatory for people involved in competitive sports. They have reduced the incidence of SADS 89% by making it mandatory.

The GAA’s Medical, Scientific and Welfare committee recommends cardiac screening for all players over 14 years of age.

AMS’s cardiac screening service is based on the recommendations of the above named organisations.

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 Personal & Family History Questionnaire

This questionnaire is designed to find out if you have a family history of cardiac disease. It will also help us identify any symptoms that may be of concern.

Physical Examination with a Medical Doctor

A thorough clinical examination will be performed by our on-site doctor, paying particular attention to:

Family history of sudden cardiac death and any symptoms that could lead to concern.

Waist Circumference assesses the amount of fat in the abdominal region.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height & weight.

Blood Pressure Recording. This shows the amount of work your heart has to do to pump blood around the body.

Listening to the heart for murmurs or an irregular heart rhythm.

Heart rate.

Stigmata of Marfans syndrome.

12 Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It gives information in relation to some of the common inherited heart defects. It can provide information on heart muscle function. The effects of high blood pressure can be seen. The patient is connected to a recording device by a series of fine cables which are attached to the chest wall by sticky electrodes. The test takes approx. 5 minutes and is performed by a medical professional.

Consultant Cardiologist Review & Report

The results of the medical data and ECG testing are reviewed & reported by one of our leading Consultant Cardiologists. The results of the test will be sent back to you within 10 working days.

Echocardiogram

AMS can help facilitate and fast track the booking of an Echocardiogram (echo) if required.

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. The echocardiogram can help detect or rule out what was detected during your initial screening. Echo has become routinely used in the diagnosis, management and follow up of patients with any suspected or known heart disease. It can provide a wealth of helpful information including the size and shape of the heart, pumping capacity and the location and extent of any tissue damage. An echocardiogram is a painless non-invasive test that takes 20-30 minutes.

 

Our mobile screening service enables testing to be carried out at a location of your choice. We welcome the opportunity to build a relationship with your school, club, or organisation.

We also believe it is important that this comprehensive screening is available to you at an affordable price.

 

I need to attend my child’s school screening?  No, it is not necessary to attend your child’s screening.  Parents seldom are present at school screenings.  However, if your child has a complicated medical or family history and you would like to be present, you are welcome to attend.

Does my Laya policy number cover my child as well? Each member has their own individual healthcare number and it is important to enter the number of the person availing of the screening service.  If you are unsure of your child’s Laya policy/number, please contact Laya directly at 1890 700 890.

What is the minimum age allowed for a screening? The screening is for people aged 12 years and older.

What type of clothing do I need to wear for my screening? We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose clothing to the screening. It is important to not wear any oils or creams as this may interfere with the ECG recording.  The cardiac technician will need access to your wrists, ankles, and chest.  The shirt will need to be removed, but undergarments will be left in place.  If undergarments are very tight, they may need to be loosened in order to allow for proper positioning of the chest electrodes.

Can I attend a screening after training or a workout? It is important that your heart rate and blood pressure are at normal levels at the time of screening. We advise that you don’t exercise within 30 minutes of the screening.

Will my information be shared with my insurance provider or employer? We do not share any personal or medical information with your health insurance company or employer unless you request us to share this information. We may share anonymised data where the individual screened cannot be identified.

Could my screening results affect my insurance policy? No, your screening results cannot affect your insurance policy. In Ireland, everybody is charged the same premium for a particular health insurance plan, irrespective of their age, gender and the current or likely future state of their health. This is called community rating.

Is there a charge for my screening? Does my insurance cover this? Yes, there is a charge for screening. If you are a Laya Healthcare member the screening is free every 2 years.

Do my results get sent to my GP?  If an abnormality is identified that is of concern, we will send a copy of your results to your nominated GP.

What happens if I need to follow up or be re-screened? Follow up recommendations should be discussed and arranged through your GP.

When do I get my results? You will receive your results within 10 working days from the time of screening.

What is a Claim form and why do I need to fill it out? If you are a Laya Healthcare member you will be required to complete a short claim form. We then submit this to Laya Healthcare for payment for your screen with us. This ensures that you are not charged for the screening.

I don’t fully understand my ECG results, who can help me? You can contact your GP if follow up is recommended based on the ECG results.  You can also email AMS at info@ameds.ie with any questions.