Ex-Premier League footballers have heart tests in Birchwood

Former Premier League footballers Robbie Fowler and Neil Mellor underwent the scans at Venturi Cardiology to raise awareness of World Heart Day 2021.

They were joined at the north west’s first independent healthy heart clinic by ex-rugby union stars Martin Johnson and Peter Scrivener, who also had calcium score heart tests.

Venturi aims to make world-class heart care accessible and affordable, and as well as providing routine diagnostic cardiology services, its primary objective is to treat the cause of heart disease, which is currently the UK’s biggest killer.

Every 25 minutes, someone in the north west dies from heart or circulatory disease, with healthcare costs relating to these diseases estimated at £9billion each year.

Dr Scott Murray with Robbie Fowler

The aim of World Heart Day 2021, which took place on September 29, is to improve awareness, prevention and management of cardiovascular disease globally.

The tests underwent by the sporting stars, who all called for greater awareness of heart health, take approximately 15 minutes, are non-invasive and pain free.

Liverpool legend Fowler said: “As an elite footballer it was easy to take my health for granted, but when you finish you are not as fit and healthy as you once were.

“I have got a young family and I want to spend as much time as possible with them. There is a history of heart attacks in our family and it is a wrecker that spoils lives.

“I have been on the end of that, which is why it is so important to come to a place like Venturi Cardiology and get checked out.

Dr Scott Murray and Neil Mellor

“It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish and the peace of mind it gives you is brilliant.”

Dr Scott Murray, Venturi founder who was inspired to become a cardiologist after his grandfather died suddenly of a heart attack, explained: “Heart disease is a constant pandemic. It has never gone away, despite our endless list of new ‘wonder drugs’.

“The only way to change the current sick care, sudden symptom paradigm is to awaken individuals to the power of prevention.

“Small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference to someone’s risk profile, and getting the message out early – encouraging people to quit smoking, eat better, exercise more and to get tested when necessary – can and does save lives.

“On World Heart Day, we gave cutting edge heart screening and bespoke risk scores to some of our most famous and diverse sports celebrities.

Dr Scott Murray with Peter Scrivener

“If, through this awareness event, we can go on to find one dad, grandad or mum who is at very high risk for a devastating event and change their life course, then this will have been very worthwhile.”

Dr Jonathan Hasleton, one of the other founders and consultant cardiologists, said: “We set up Venturi Cardiology because we recognised that patients were not getting access to timely diagnostics and that that the pathway to care was too long.

“We were seeing patients after they had a problem when we may have been able to address that problem in advance.

“We want to people to know that heart disease can be preventable, prevention is key and that there is help out there. You are not alone.

“If you have any concerns, speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to your nearest cardiology department, or if you would prefer, come and see us here in our bespoke clinic.”

Neil Lewis, of The Adam Lewis Foundation, with the four sporting stars

Venturi Cardiology is partnered with The Adam Lewis Foundation, which was set up in memory of Adam Lewis, who sadly and suddenly died in June 2014 from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome at the age of 24.

Trustee Neil Lewis added: “It is fantastic for Warrington and the surrounding areas to have more options available when it comes to heart health.

“At The Adam Lewis Effect Foundation, we are acutely aware of the fact that many heart conditions are asymptomatic and can even lead to sudden adult death.

“But with knowledge of an underlying or asymptomatic heart condition, treatment can be sought and people can make a full recovery.

“Clinics like Venturi are putting knowledge and control around personal heart health more in reach.”