THE unexpected death of pop star George Michael on Christmas Day sent shock waves across the world.

Aged only 53 it was later discovered the much-loved singer’s premature death had been caused by heart disease - more specifically dilated cardiomyopathy with a myocarditis and a fatty liver.

The widely reported news shines a light on the issue and may be a wake-up call to millions of people concerned about their health.

Dr Allan Harkness, consultant cardiologist at Colchester General Hospital, explains dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart to enlarge, the wall of the heart thins and it becomes progressively less efficient.

“It is the third most common reason for heart failure, after coronary disease and high blood pressure and the leading indication for heart transplantation.

“There are other types of cardiomyopathy such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is where the heart muscle gets thicker and right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which can be genetic but we don’t always know which gene does it,” he adds.

Dr Harkness says Colchester has a population close to 200,000 and they would expect about 80 people to have dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM.  He says they would see around 14 new cases each year. Nationally the figure is around one case in 2,500.

And around 50 per cent of people will have inherited the condition.

“Genetic testing on this is still very much in its infancy so it is hard to tell which gene causes it.

“As we have done more and more testing we have discovered it is a lot more complex.

“And although we know genetic links might cause someone to be more pre-disposed to the having DCM this does not necessarily mean they will get it,” he adds.

As a result, patients who have lost immediate family members to the condition, for example parents or brothers and sisters, can be screened via an ECG and an ultrasound scan.

Symptoms to look out for including breathlessness, fatigue, a build-up of fluid such as swollen ankles, heart palpitations, dizziness and fainting.

“Obviously we can all experience these for various reasons at some point so it would be a combination of them. If you have several at a time then it would be a very good idea to go to the doctor.

“If you have these while you are exercising as well it would be an indication something might be wrong, in particular dizziness and fainting and heart palpitations.

“We do sometimes faint when we stop abruptly after exercise, because you should always warm down and if you stop then the sudden cut off will naturally lead to dizziness.

“But if that and heart palpitations are happening in the middle of running or working out then going to see your GP would be a good idea,” adds Dr Harkness.

While some countries carry out screening in youngsters or very sporty people to indicate any future heart problems, this does not currently happen in Britain.

Dr Harkness, who is originally from Scotland and has worked at the hospital for the past 11 years, explains this is because it can sometimes increase the chance of picking up things that may not actually have any long-term impact but could end a promising future.

“The psychological impact of being diagnosed with a potential problem, that might not ever actually occur, is great and has ended promising careers because they cannot get insurance or have to give up playing just in case.

“But there is a charity, CRY, Cardian Risk in the Young, which does screening which they advertise and you can go along to on a voluntary basis.”

These are popular though - with those organised for the next few months almost all fully booked including one due to go ahead at Great Totham Primary School, near Maldon, next month.

And while genetics has a part to play, Dr Harkness says lifestyle is a major contributer too.

“If you have a genetic disposition that does not necessarily mean you are going to develop the condition but obviously if you combine that with a poor lifestyle then you are going to majorly increase your risks.

“And whether you have a genetic link or not, looking after yourself and your body is always a good idea as a preventative to any type of heart disease, of which DCM is only one.”

Smoking, taking drugs and drinking alcohol can all have majorly detrimental affects.

“If you have been given a bad set of cards health wise then smoking, taking drugs such as cocaine and drinking put an extra strain on that.

“And while we don’t know George Michael’s specific details, we do know he also had a fatty liver and that he had, I think, had a drink problem so that will not have helped in his case.

“Smoking releases chemicals and nicotine which cause inflammation to the arteries and then it becomes blocked off and if that happens it does not work as well.”

Dr Harkness says basic precautions like reducing weight and taking regular exercise can help prevent the chances of heart disease in general.

“Anyone with heart problems we recommend they do exercise and keep their weight down.

“I had a patient recently who lost weight between clinics, a considerable amount, and it made such a difference.

“It was a real wake up call when we told him on his first visit and he had gone home and done something about it.

“As a result he was not breathless when he came back the next time and it had helped him no end but sadly he is one of only a few that lose weight between clinics and it is so important,” says Dr Harkness, runs clinics twice a week in Colchester and Clacton as well as carrying out ward rounds and daily ultrasound and CT scans.