Dr Antonis Pantazis, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, demonstrates an operation to reduce thickness of heart tissue on an animal heart at the Arab Health Congress on Monday. Nicholas Webster / The National
Dr Antonis Pantazis, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, demonstrates an operation to reduce thickness of heart tissue on an animal heart at the Arab Health Congress on MShow more

The ‘sudden death syndrome’ that can even be fatal for young elite athletes



DUBAI // It is a hidden killer that stalks its victims and can strike at any time, mainly in the young and sometimes in elite sporting professionals.

Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is thought to affect 1 in 500 of us and it can lie dormant for years.

Without treatment, the genetic condition that leads to a hardening of the cardiac wall and obstructed blood flow can be fatal.

But there is hope for those vulnerable to “sudden death syndrome”, if the condition is picked up by doctors through early health checks or screening programmes.

An operation to reduce thickness of heart tissue was performed for the first time in the UAE at Arab Health Congress on Monday, with surgeons demonstrating the procedure on an animal heart.

A doctor demonstrates an operation to reduce the thickness of heart tissue on an animal heart. Video by Nick Webster

“People can have this genetic condition at any age and be at risk of sudden death,” said Dr Antonis Pantazis, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London.

“We take some of the muscle out that is blocking the flow in the heart. The procedure is guided by imaging.

“The aim is to give people back their lives and allow them to have normal activities.”

Associated symptoms are palpitations, shortness of breath and fainting. Athletes with the condition are advised to refrain from strenuous activity. Elite sportsmen diagnosed often have to retire due to the risk of sudden death.

Dr Antonis Pantazis performs an operation on an animal heart at the Arab Health Congress. Video by Nick Webster

“It is more common in this region than elsewhere in the world as it is a genetic heart condition,” Dr Pantazis said as he demonstrated the procedure with surgeon Fabio De Robertis.

“This operation is very complex and demanding, it is unique and takes about two hours. Patients are usually home within a week.

“Levels of safety have increased significantly, which is why we can now offer it to more young people with confidence.”

nwebster@thenational.ae

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