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SINGAPORE: The recent deaths of two SAF servicemen during training have raised questions on the need for comprehensive heart screenings for future enlistees.
Some cardiologists and parents said the screenings would help identify early on those most at risk of sudden cardiac deaths. But others feel the costs outweigh their practical necessity.
About 1,000 Singaporeans die each year from cardiac arrests, according to most recent figures by the National Heart Centre.
While the majority of deaths are older men, it is not uncommon for younger males to fall victim to the disease.
Recruit Andrew Cheah died on Tuesday during a two-kilometre walk as part of his Basic Military Training. A day later, Officer Cadet Clifton Lam collapsed and later died while undergoing jungle orientation training in Brunei.
While the causes of death are not yet certain, some feel measures like comprehensive heart screenings can help prevent future incidents.
Sudden cardiac deaths can strike during stress, exercise, or even when you're sleeping. Although many of the victims appear outwardly healthy, doctors say the disease does not strike at random. In fact, there are groups of people within the population who are more prone to suffering from sudden cardiac arrests.
But not all feel comprehensive heart screenings are warranted, especially when basic tests like the ones carried out on all pre-enlistees, can pick up on most heart conditions.
Dr Hsu Li Fern, a cardiologist at National Heart Centre, said: "Detailed or comprehensive tests are usually used to confirm or reject what has been picked up during basic screening. However, even with comprehensive tests for all people, there will still be a small number who may remain undetected.”
Another issue is cost. A treadmill stress test and an echo-cardiogram are expected to cost S$500.
But some parents are willing to fork out the money just for that peace of mind.
Dr Hsu said sudden death can also be caused by other conditions such as heat stroke. But he said the SAF has sufficient measures in place to prevent the problem. -CNA/vm
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