Members of the Hull FC first-team and academy squads have undergone routine cardiac and neurological screenings as part of their pre-season preparations ahead of the new campaign.
Players underwent the screenings last week at Hull University, in association with main club partner Atropa Pharmacy, where supporters can also undergo a series of tests is they are concerned about potential cardiovascular problems
7.6 million people live with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK, and every three minutes, somebody loses their life as a result of these cardiovascular issues.
Research by the British Heart Foundation indicated that around half of the population will get a heart or circulatory condition in their lifetime.
Atropa Pharmacy range of health screening tests will put your mind at ease, with blood pressure, pulse rate, and private blood tests are all available, with speedy results and a reliable and safe service.
To find out more about Atropa Pharmacy’s services, including services offered by ‘Blood Clinic by Atropa’ – click here
Go behind-the-scenes of our cardiac screening session by checking out our video below:
Dr Richard Lawrence, Chief Medical Officer of the Welsh national side and a member of both the Rugby Football League’s clinical advisory group and the International Rugby League’s medical committee, conducted the screening, and spoke to hullfc.com about the importance of players being tested.
“The cardiac screenings take place to detect inherited cardiac conditions, looking at heart muscle problems that may cause the heart to work our of kilter,” he said.
“You’ll remember six years ago, we sadly lost Welsh international player Danny Jones who tragically died on the field due to an undetected heart condition.
“Since then, we’ve worked hard to get it mandated that players get check annually so we avoid another tragic incident like Danny’s, and this screening with the squad today is part of that.”
Explaining what takes place during a cardiovascular screening, and the importance of anyone with symptoms of a cardiac condition, he added: “An ECG takes place which looks at the electrical activity which takes place in the heart; If you have an abnormal circuit in the heart, this will be detected.
“Or if you have abnormal muscle, which can also cause issues, this will also often be picked up due to an abnormal signal which will be detected.
“If we find anything significant, we’ll go on to look at the structure of the heart by doing a cardiac ultrasound or an MRI, or even putting the heart through stress in an exercise test to look at the rhythm stability over time.”
He continued: “For the general public, we would encourage people to come forward to get tested if they have any symptoms including palpitations, chest pains, breathlessness, blackouts, dizziness, or any family history cardiovascular issues. These are all red flags that we look out for, and we’d want them to come forward for an ECG, like the players have undergone with us.”
First-team star Danny Houghton, added: “Heart issues isn’t something you normally consider while you’re playing, but you only have to look at some of the recent incidents in sport, including Cristian Eriksen at the Euros, for it to be brought to the forefront of your mind.
“To get this does before the start of the season is really important, and it gives us peace of mind.
“If you’ve got any concerns, having a test like this could save your life, so I’d encourage anyone with any worries to take part in a screening.”
Club Sport Scientist, Jordan Mounsey, added: “The players are very lucky to have this screening take place – cardiovascular issues can affect anyone, from playing amateur sport to just working in an office.
“We’re lucky to have Atropa Pharmacy on board as our main club partner, effectively giving our fans direct access to health screenings such as this.”
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