Active-Care programme

AI-Powered Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death

Discover our AI-powered approach to comprehensive cardiac screening, designed to keep your active heart strong and healthy

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a tragic and often preventable event that claims the lives of approximately 12 young individuals under the age of 35 each week in the UK alone. Globally, SCD accounts for 10-20% of all deaths and 50% of all cardiovascular deaths, and often is the first manifestation of underlying heart disease.

For athletes and physically active individuals, the risk of SCD, though rare, is heightened due to the increased demands placed on the heart during intense physical activity.

At MIAL HEALTHCARE, we are committed to preventing these tragedies through our Comprehensive Cardiology Prevention Screening Service, designed specifically for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Our advanced screening protocols, powered by cutting-edge technology and expert clinical care, aim to identify hidden cardiac conditions early, ensuring your heart is as strong and resilient as your performance.

Understanding Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD): A Global and Local Perspective

The Burden of SCD 

Global Impact SCD affects approximately 250,000 individuals annually in Europe and 360,000 in the US, representing a significant public health challenge.

First Manifestation: Up to 50% of SCD cases are the first sign of underlying heart disease, highlighting the critical need for early detection.

Variable Incidence: The incidence of SCD varies by age, sex, and location, ranging from 0.8 to 6.2 cases per 100,000 individuals.

Poor Prognosis: Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remain low, even with immediate resuscitation, underscoring the importance of prevention.

Causes of SCD in Young Athletes and Sport Enthusiasts (<35 Years)

The most common causes of SCD in young athletes include:

1. Inherited/Structural Conditions:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
• Congenital Coronary Artery Anomalies and other congenital diseases

2. Electrical Disorders (Channelopathies):

• Long QT Syndrome
• Brugada Syndrome
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

3. Acquired Conditions:

• Myocarditis
• Commotio Cordis
• Idiopathic Myocardial Fibrosis

4. Unexplained Causes:

• Autopsy-Negative Sudden Unexplained Death (AUSUD)

Causes of SCD in Individuals Over 35 Years 

In older athletes, the leading cause of SCD shifts to **coronary artery disease (CAD)**, which accounts for up to **80% of cases**. Other causes include acquired cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, and age-related electrical abnormalities.

The Power of Prevention: Early Detection Saves Lives

Most cardiovascular conditions responsible for SCD are clinically silent and unlikely to be detected based on spontaneous symptoms alone. This underscores the limitations of relying solely on an athlete’s medical history and physical examination for identifying those at risk of SCD.

The good news is that many of these conditions can be identified through targeted cardiac screening. In Italy, the implementation of mandatory pre-participation sports screening since 1982 , including ECG, has led to an 89% reduction in SCD among athletes over the past 40 years (reference: Corrado et al., Journal of the American College of Cardiology*). This demonstrates the life-saving potential of proactive cardiac evaluation.

However, not all conditions are detectable through a single test. Electrically silent conditions, such as early-stage cardiomyopathies or coronary artery disease, may require additional diagnostic tools and regular follow-up to identify.

Our Comprehensive Screening Service: Advanced Technology, Expert Care

At MIAL HEALTHCARE, we offer a state-of-the-art Cardiology Prevention Screening Service tailored to the unique needs of athletes and sports individuals. Our screening protocol includes:

1. AI-Powered ECG Analysis, the Cardio HART Technology:

• We utilise advanced cardiac technology:L CHART is a groundbreaking innovation that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and novel bio-signals. CHART integrates the functionality of echocardiography (ECHO), electrocardiography (ECG), and clinical auscultation into a single, state-of-the-art device. This cutting-edge technology provides comprehensive insights into the heart’s electrical activity, structural integrity, and acoustic properties, effectively replicating the diagnostic capabilities of an echocardiogram, an electrocardiogram, and a traditional cardiac auscultation.
• This allows us to detect subtle abnormalities that may indicate underlying cardiomyopathies or electrical disorders.

2. Exercise Treadmill Test (ETT)

• Many cardiac conditions, such as ischemia or arrhythmias, are only triggered during physical exertion. Our ETT helps unmask these electrically silent conditions, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your cardiac evaluation.

3. Annual Subscription Model:

• Cardiac health is not a one-time check but an ongoing commitment. Our subscription-based model ensures you receive annual screenings, allowing us to monitor your heart health over time and detect any changes early.

Why Choose Us?

• Expertise: Our team includes cardiologists specialised in cardiomyopathy and sports cardiology, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
• Technology: We leverage AI-powered tools and advanced diagnostic techniques to provide accurate, comprehensive evaluations.
• Prevention-Focused: Our goal is to identify risks before they become problems, empowering you to perform at your best while safeguarding your health.

The Bigger Picture: Addressing a Growing Need

With over 26 million people in the UK living with chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, traditional care delivery models are no longer sufficient to meet demand. New technologies, such as AI-powered diagnostics and remote monitoring, are becoming indispensable in modern healthcare. At MIAL HEALTHCARE, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions that prioritise prevention, early detection, and patient-centred care.

Take Control of Your Heart Health Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who values their health, our Cardiology Prevention Screening Service  is your first step toward a safer, healthier future.

Book your screening today and join the movement to prevent sudden cardiac death, one heartbeat at a time.

In collaboration with:

REFERENCES

1. Corrado D, Basso C, Schiavon M, Pelliccia A, Thiene G. Pre-participation screening of young competitive athletes for prevention of sudden cardiac death. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008 Dec 9;52(24):1981-9.
2. Finocchiaro, G., et al. (2024). “Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.” *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*.
3. Maron, B. J., et al. (2009). “Sudden Deaths in Young Competitive Athletes: Analysis of 1866 Deaths in the United States, 1980–2006.
4. World Health Organization (WHO). “Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases.”
5. Sharma S, (..) Pelliccia A, Corrado D. International recommendations for electrocardiographic interpretation in athletes. Eur Heart J. 2018 Apr 21;39(16):1466-1480. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw631.