Coroner calls for heart screening for children
A coroner has called for a national screening programme for heart defects after a 15 year old boy from Worcestershire died after collapsing during a school rugby match. Luke Chapman suffered a cardiac arrest brought on by an irregular heartbeat in March.
An inquest heard Ryan died from Sudden Adult Death Arrhythmia (SADS). An expert said the condition kills up to 800 people under 35 each year.
The coroner recorded a verdict of death by natural causes, Birmingham Deputy Coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe said: "This is a very tragic death of a 15-year-old, very fit young man, who enjoyed playing rugby.
She said she would write to the Department of Health urging that the launch of a national heart screening programme should be considered.
Luke's dad Matthew Chapman, 47, said after the hearing: "I hope that the Department of Health will take account of the coroner's recommendation and of the need to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome."
Luke was was a pupil at Haybridge High, Hagley, and died during a school rugby game at Kidderminster's Baxter College.
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