McAvoy family call for ‘simple’ heart disease test

The father of a former Arbroath SC footballer who died last year has called for a nationwide strategy to prevent more tragic cardiac-related deaths.

Pete McAvoy died suddenly in his college room in the United States aged 22.

The talented defender, who played for Herkimer Generals, is believed to have suffered a heart attack as a result of an undiagnosed heart condition.

Every year 600 young people die as a result of undiagnosed cardiac conditions.

Now his father Peter has backed a manifesto produced by Cardiac Risk in the Young, calling for free screening to identify heart conditions and improve research.

Peter, 57, from Dundee, said: “Twelve young people are dying across the UK every week.

“If they had a simple heart test they would have been diagnosed, could have had treatment and would still be alive today.

“That is unbelievable and it is a nightmare for those of us who have gone through it.”

Pete’s family want to see the lifesaving tests rolled out across the country through the NHS.

Peter added: “The genetic condition that killed my son is something that could have been diagnosed.”