In honour of the memory of a dear loved one, we raise this matter of concern. A devoted father passed away unexpectedly due to undiagnosed heart issues in 2020. His heart had issues unknown until unfortunately it was too late. Many men, particularly in their late 20s and beyond, silently suffer from hidden cardiac problems, often causing a sudden fatal cardiac arrest. 

While women benefit from regular smear tests being incorporated into their healthcare system, no such systematic examination exists for heart issues concerning men, despite the apparent urgency. According to the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), remains the leading cause of death among men, accounting for 24.2% of all male deaths in 2017. This need not be the case if regular screenings are made compulsory and early interventions are promoted.

Just as women are offered smear tests at a certain age, we argue for men to receive a letter offering heart screening at a certain age. Regular heart screenings have the potential to save numerous lives among young men susceptible to cardiac issues, providing early detection and subsequent monitoring for at-risk individuals.

It is time to significantly enhance preventative care measures for men and increase the attention given towards their heart health. Please, sign this petition in support of mandatory early heart screenings for men, asking our local MP and the government to enact change to save lives and avoid preventable tragedies. With your valuable support, we can urge our policy makers to acknowledge and rectify this alarming health gap.