To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps the NHS is taking to help detect hidden genetic heart defects or conditions.

There are currently two antenatal and newborn screening programmes which aim to detect serious heart conditions; NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme and NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination Screening Programme.

In addition to this the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has reviewed the evidence for two adult screening programmes; Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and risk of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). These programmes have not been recommended as there is insufficient evidence that they provide more benefit than harm.

The UK NSC will review the evidence for AF and risk of SCD as part of its three year review cycle.