On the 15th April 2002, the CRY Centre of Sports Cardiology (CSC) was launched in association with the Olympic Medical Institute (OMI). The CSC and OMI are situated within the grounds of Northwick Park Hospital near Harrow.

This is an important new development for the UK because we are the first dedicated Centre of Sports Cardiology in the world. The aim is to establish it as an international leader in its field with the ongoing development of our cardiac screening programme, training of expertise in this specialist area and contribution to research.

Accurate statistics are not available but experts believe that between 4 - 8 apparently fit and healthy young people die each week as a result of Sudden Cardiac Death, undetected cardiac abnormalities, many of them during or immediately after physical activity. Any athlete who has an undetected cardiac abnormality is inevitably particularly at risk.

"CRY is a dynamic charity excitingly poised on the threshold of a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to Sports Cardiology and save young lives. We can and must stop these tragedies."

Ian Botham, Honorary President of the CRY Centre of Sports Cardiology and Patron of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

"We have many excellent facilities and staff in the sports medicine field. This centre will enhance those resources significantly. The work of Cardiac Risk in the Young will save many young lives and that in itself is wonderful news."
Rt Honorable Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport

"CRY's launch of the Centre of Sports Cardiology is a major step forward in our screening programme. As a non-profit organisation dedicated to saving young lives we view this as an enormous and significant opportunity in the development of Sports Cardiology in the UK."

Dr Greg Whyte, Chairman of CRY, Director of Science, English Institute of Sport.

What does the CSC provide?

The CSC provides the ultimate in specialist cardiac assessment and diagnosis for any suspected cardiac abnormality within athletes. To date, we have seen over 150 elite athletes with suspected cardiac abnormalities. These athletes were referred to us by the athlete’s doctor who could not find the exact cause or reason for their cardiac condition and needed specialist opinion. Following our assessment (and the prescribed pharmological therapy in some cases), over 95% of the athletes that have been referred to us have been given the green light to participate in maximal effort exercise.

Who can use the CSC clinic?

The answer to this question is twofold:
(1) Firstly, any International, National, county/divisional, academy athlete who has experienced symptoms of:
· Chest Pain (exercise related)
· Breathlessness (both at rest and during exercise)
· Palpitations (both at rest and during exercise)
· Dizziness (especially after exercise)
· Fainting/Blackouts
And has been referred to us by their GP or cardiologist. We will also see athletes who have not been to see their GP but have adequately explained their case for cardiac screening and assessment to the CSC Manager. If the CSC Manager feels that you can qualify for our assessment, you will be invited to attend the CSC.

(2) Secondly, any active individual under the age of 35 years can attend one of our monthly Saturday morning screening clinics held within the CSC. These clinics are open to everyone who wants the same level of cardiac assessment as elite athletes. The aim of this service is to enable young people, who are prepared to pay, to have quick access to a cardiologist with an interest in young sudden cardiac death and to be tested by a highly trained cardiac technician, who has been approved by either Dr Sanjay Sharma or Professor Bill McKenna.