Dancers’ heart: Cardiac screening in elite dancers

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) is a type of Cardiac arrhythmias. Sometimes there are no warning signs, but in other cases people can experience dizziness or fainting spells. Sudden loss of consciousness or death often occurs during physical exercise or emotional upset. The frequency of the condition isn't fully known as many sudden deaths are put down to accidents. But research has indicated that about 500 deaths a year in the UK are because of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. It is becoming more prevalent in sport and dance due to recent media coverage
All dancers will be asked to complete a lifestyle questionnaire, anthropometric data (height, weight and %body fat), have an echocardiogram, a 12-lead ECG and a blood test (hdl, ldl, cholesterol, cardiac enzymes and inflammation markers). All data will be analysed by a consultant cardiologist and where necessary referrals organised.