A TOP heart specialist is launching a mass health screening ahead of one of Southampton’s biggest running events in a generation.

Runners are counting down the days to the Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton Half Marathon.

Now a leading doctor is running a series of potentially life-saving tests to ensure participants’ tickers are up to the job.

Dr Dhrubo Rakhit is a cardiologist at the Wessex Nuffield Hospital – the flagship event’s health sponsor.

He is offering runners heart tests at discounted rates to put their minds at rest before the big day on Sunday, April 26 – the same day as the London Marathon.

There will be 6,000 runners pounding the pavements of the 13.1 mile route which takes in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and put it on the map for health and fitness.

It is being organised by Marafun UK and sponsored by Associated British Ports (ABP), while the Daily Echo is the official media partner.

Although most will complete the race comfortably and safely he is eager to ensure people get themselves tested against underlying hidden conditions which could prove fatal if undiagnosed.

The screenings taking place at the Chandler’s Ford-based private hospital aim to pick up any a b n o r - malities in the heart both in terms of structure and rhythm.

Research from the British Heart Foundation reveals that an estimated seven million Britons are living with cardiovascular disease, while nearly one in six men die from the condition, which is responsible for 73,000 deaths each year.

Another killer is Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) – a condition which kills up to 12 young people a week.

Victims include Claire Reed from Eastleigh, who died after collapsing and dying while celebrating at a hen do in Taunton in March 2013 aged 22 – just five months after her own wedding.

Footballer Fabrice Muamba is a survivor of the condition after collapsing during an FA Cup match between Bolton and Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

Dr Rakhit, who also works at Southampton General Hospital, is himself running the half marathon with colleagues.

He said: “I am really excited about the event. I am running it but I want to use my expertise as a cardiologist to help.

“Exercise is a medicine for the heart but exercise can unmask patients who have got undiagnosed heart problems.

“Quite often people look healthy on the face of it. But you don’t know whether there is an underling electrical or structural problem.

“Anybody who is worried about it we can test their heart to make sure they are okay to participate.”

Daily Echo reporter Maxwell Kusi-Obodum is running the Half Marathon for mental health charity Mind.

Sponsor him at justgiving.com/Maxwell-Kusi-Obodum1/

Heart Tests

Daily Echo: Dr Dhrubo Rakhit, left, performs a few checks on Daily Echo reporter Maxwell Kusi-Obodum

The standard tests aimed at 18-35 year olds involve filling out a health questionnaire and receiving an ECG – checking the heart rhythm – and a cardiac ultra sound (echocardiogram) studying the
heart’s structure.

Over 35s have the option of booking an additional stress test which involves monitoring how the heart reacts to exercise.

The screenings run from 2pm on Friday, April 17 and from 11am on Sunday, April 19.

Tests cost £250, with an additional £50 for stress testing.

Contact 023 8098 2340 to book.