Q. What does the CRY CSC offer?
A. The CRY Centre for Sports Cardiology offers two main services. Firstly, a subsidised Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram (ECHO) and cardiac consultation for athletes between the age of 14 and 35. Secondly, a service tailored to athletes when a cardiac abnormality is detected and further tests are required to identify risks and potential implications.

Q. How do I know which service is right for me?
A. Generally, if you are looking for cardiac testing for peace of mind, an ECG and ECHO at one of the CRY clinics is likely to be the most appropriate route. However, if you are experiencing symptoms whilst exercising, then a more specialised service tailored for athletes may be more suitable. If you have any doubts what so ever, you should contact the CRY CSC and explain you symptoms and concerns. We will then advise you on the most appropriate course of action.

Q. How can I arrange for a screening?
A. You should contact Anthony Shaw at the CRY CSC who will be able to book you in at the appropriate centre. His contact details can be found on the contact page of this website.

Q. How much does the service cost?
A. A full cardiac screening costs £200. For this you will have an ECG, ECHO and all results will be viewed by one of our consultant cardiologists. If you require any specific tests, you can have an ECG for £35 and an ECHO for £175. If you are an athlete who has been referred or requested specialised cardiac testing, costs can vary greatly and you should contact the CRY CSC for specific details.

Q. Do I need a GP referral to be seen by the CRY CSC?
A. No. This service is aimed at any active individual under the age of 35 years who would like the same level of cardiac assessment as elite athletes. The aim of the 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 highly trained cardiac technicians.

Q. What does the testing process consist of?
A. A majority of people will have an ECG and an ECHO, with all the results being seen by one of our consultant cardiologists. However, if you are an athlete who has been referred to us for specialised cardiac testing, you may also receive an exercise stress test, specialised breath testing, Holter Monitor fitting and blood testing.

Q. Is there an age limit for anyone wanting to be screened?
A. We usually only screen people between the ages of 14-35 years. Anyone under the age of 14, we usually recommend contact Great Ormond Street Hospital who specialise in paediatrics. However, we do occasionally screen people who fall outside of this age range but they must contact the CRY CSC and speak to us directly.

Q. Are there any other centres rather than the CRY CSC that are closer to where I live?
A. We have centres in Leeds, Edinburgh and Oswestry, near Wales that offers both ECG and ECHO testing. We also have a centre in Colchester that offers ECG’s only.

Q. What happens once the testing has finished?
A. Once the testing is complete, your results will be taken to our consultant cardiologist who will examine all the information before writing to you with your final results.

Q. How long after the testing will I receive the result?
A. We aim to get these to you within three working weeks. If you do not her anything after this time, please contact the CRY CSC.

Q. What happens if there are any problems with my results?
A. Occasionally, after initial screening, some people require further testing. This does not mean that there is any problem, simply that further tests are required to in order to further rule out any possibility of cardiac disease.

Q. Is there any extra costs after the testing?
A. No. If any further testing is required, you will be put into our consultant cardiologists NHS programme at University Hospital Lewisham. If there are any additional costs incurred, these will be paid for by CRY. Alternatively, if its inconvenient for you to attend University Hospital Lewisham, we can arrange for you to be referred to a local cardiologist.

Q. Do you organise screenings for groups of people?
A. If you are part of a team or group of people who would like screening, we are able to organise a mobile screening team to come and visit you at an appropriate venue, provided there is enough interest shown. For an ECG only screening, at least 40 people will need to take part in the screening. For an ECG and ECHO screening, you will need at least 15 people to take part in the screening.

Q. What do we need to do to organise a mobile screening?
A. You will need to arrange an appropriate venue and a suitable hotel for the team to stay in depending on how far the screening team need to travel. We will provide everything else such as staff and equipment. A suitable location to store all our equipment should also be provided.