Pre-participation screenings, What you need to know

Pre-participation screening (PPS) aims to detect heart conditions that are potentially life-threatening as they may lead to sudden death, especially during physical activity. PHOTO: MINDEF

WHERE TO GO FOR PRE-PARTICIPATION SCREENINGS (PPS)?

Runners can undergo PPS at most hospitals, including the National University Hospital, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Changi General Hospital and Mount Alvernia Hospital.

In addition, they can also get screened at: Singapore Sports Medicine Centre at Novena Medical Centre, and the Asian Heart and Vascular Centre, which has branches at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre and Parkway East Medical Centre.

Prices range between $218 and $1,388.

WHAT DOES PPS INVOLVE?

An electrocardiogram, which measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat, a treadmill test, a chest X-ray, and blood and urine tests.

Patients will also be asked questions such as their personal and family's medical history, in a questionnaire designed to identify symptoms or risk factors.

For those above 35 years old and/or with known heart-related problems, a different set of tests may be recommended.

The screenings will normally take a few hours, and results may come either on the same day or about two weeks later.

PAST RACE TRAGEDIES

  • Last December, 29-year-old John Gibson died during the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore half-marathon. The Briton suddenly collapsed about a kilometre from the finish line. He was given a clean bill of health after a full-body check-up months before the race.
  • In 2014, 45-year-old Martynn Koh Tong Yong died at the 2XU Compression Run marathon, after collapsing near the 11km mark. \
  • In 2013, 25-year-old Goh Kai Lin collapsed at the 10km Nike We Run. The taekwondo enthusiast was believed to have suffered cardiac arrest near the finish line.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 15, 2017, with the headline Pre-participation screenings, What you need to know. Subscribe