Heart Screenings now available to everyone aged between 14 and 35 years old

Cambridge University have been hosting Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) as part of a cardiac screening programme for Cambridge University Students. The screening programme took place because in 2023 the Cambridge community suffered a tragic loss when Clarissa Nicholls passed away. A keen and active sports person, she had no idea she had arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, a condition that can lead to sudden Cardiac arrest. In Clarissa's memory, family, friends and teammates came together to raise awareness through Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), and to raise money for ECG Heart Screening days.

One in 300 young people (aged between 14 and 35) in the UK suffer from an undiagnosed life-threatening cardiac condition like Carissa’s. Twelve young people die every week from sudden cardiac death, often with no prior symptoms. Thanks to the incredible work of the “Clarissa’s Campaign for Cambridge Hearts” screenings have been taken place at the University Sports Centre for the last two years.

As part of a pilot we would now like to offer young people (aged between 14 and 35) from the local sporting community to have a heart screening. For £85 you can book a screening where all individuals will receive an electrocardiogram (ECG) that examines the electrical activity of the heart, and if required, an echocardiogram, as well as a physical examination. The ECG is a simple, non-invasive and painless test that will only take a few minutes to complete and is performed by qualified cardiac physiologists.

The ECG results will be examined by a doctor in conjunction with a personal and family history questionnaire. If a more detailed picture is needed some individuals will be required to undertake a follow-up echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound scan of the heart that looks at its size, structure and blood flow and takes about 30 minutes to perform. In a small percentage of cases the result will appear abnormal and further investigations will be recommended and sent in writing to the individual’s GP.

If you are interested in attending this screening, please follow this link to the EventBrite page where you can book and pay for your slot, you will then also need to visit the CRY screening page to confirm your booking and provide them with some pre-screening information.

When; between 9:00-16:00 25th January 2026

Where;

University of Cambridge Sports Centre

Philippa Fawcett Drive

Cambridge

CB3 0AS

Parking available - https://www.sport.cam.ac.uk/about-us/car-parking

Booking link – Cardiac Screening booking link