Parents devastated by their sons' sudden deaths say more should be done to check for hidden heart problems. 

New research has revealed health authorities across the UK are failing to identify those at risk from Sudden Cardiac Syndrome. 

Campaigners in Gloucestershire say GPs should be equipped with electrocardiogram machines to assess those with undetected heart conditions and increase their chances of survival. 

But 97 per cent of the country's primary care trusts have failed to put government guidelines into place a year after they were introduced. 

Josephine Coffey's 17-year-old son Jamie died while having a kick about with his friends in July 2004.  It was later discovered he had a heart defect. 

Josephine has campaigned to raise awareness of sudden adult death syndrome, which strikes people who appear fit and healthy. 

She set up a memorial fund to provide a heart monitor for her GPs' surgery in Bishop's Cleeve.    She said PCT's aren't taking the syndrome seriously. 

"I'm angry because it sends out a message that Jamie's death and other children's deaths mean nothing," she said. 

"I wish the doctors could see the impact it has on a family, then perhaps they would take more notice." 

The government recommends people with a family history of heart problems should be put forward for an assessment and a scan. 

Alexander Edwards, 12, died of an undetected heart problem while playing cricket at Cheltenham College Junior School in 1997. 

His parents Rachel and Peter, who live in Withington, were outraged by the survey. 

Rachel said: "It's devastating for families because we're desperate for more screenings on the NHS." 

She has had to get her other children Phillip and Victoria tested privately. 

Rachel said: "Phillip has shown symptoms including near black-outs and we were supposed to be receiving yearly checks at Cheltenham General. 

"But now they've told us checks will happen every three years, which is ridiculous." 

Ann Meek's son Justin died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition when he was 33. 

A picture of Justin was used on a postcard supporting a national campaign by charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, which wants screening to be available to youngsters. 

He died in his sleep at home in Bishampton, near Pershore, in 2001. 

Mrs Meek said: "The figures are disappointing.  So much work has gone into bringing these guidelines in." 

Cotswold & Vale PCT spokeswoman Joanna Wynn said: "The NHS in Gloucestershire commissions paediatric cardiology services (hospital heart services for under-18's) from Bristol. 

"The county group is working on its strategy following the publication of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, and National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines. 

"One of the actions we have taken is to make a bid to the British Heart Foundation for a nurse with a specific remit for arrhythmia care.  We're also looking at the new guidelines for implantable defibrillators." 

There are 400 unexplained sudden cardiac deaths among young people every year.