Spurs players jump at heart health checks
TOTTENHAM’S entire squad have undergone precautionary heart check-ups after witnessing Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s on-field cardiac arrest first-hand.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp explained that players jumped at the chance of a screening for any previously undetected heart issues when a doctor visited yesterday.
“Fortunately, we already had a cardiologist visiting the training ground for routine screening,” said Redknapp. “We are able to offer any player who wishes to be tested for the purpose of reassurance an additional opportunity to be screened.”
Muamba, 23, collapsed suddenly during Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham, which was subsequently abandoned, and yesterday showed signs of improvement after two days in intensive care in an east London hospital.
Doctors have said his unexpected cardiac arrest was likely to be caused by a congenital abnormality, rather than the lifestyle factors that contribute to the majority of cases.
Sports cardiologist Sanjay Sharma yesterday said Tottenham players had “all demanded cardiac screening”.
He added the check-up would include an ultrasound which identifies faults of the heart muscles.