In partnership with
The Heart Safe Screening
The Heart Safe Screening is different because it includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) and, if needed, a focused echocardiogram; which can detect enlarged hearts and electrophysiological abnormalities that can lead to SCD. Heart Care Measurement brings its' clinical team right to your school or organization ensuring that all students, including athletes, receive a complete exam conveniently and quickly. Heart Care Measurement works with the school or organization to schedule a screening at the most convenient time. The exam follows the American Heart Association and International Olympic Committee pre-participation guidelines.
How It Works
· After scheduling a convenient time, a school or organization registers through our website to offer the Heart Safe Screening to their students.
· The school is assigned a code to be used by students and parents to register.
· The school notifies parents and students and directs them to register for an exam on our website using the school code. We will also provide promotional materials to encourage participation.
· Students register, pay, and print the consent form and pre-participation questionnaire.
· The consent form and pre-participation questionnaire must be filled out, signed by students over age 18 or by the parents or guardians of minors.
· Students must bring the signed consent and completed pre-participation forms with them on exam day.
· Students will receive their release to play sports within 4-7 business days. This allows time for our board certified pediatric cardiologists to read each electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST IN YOUNG PEOPLE
· Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in young people is the sudden unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. SCA usually results from an abnormal heart rhythm, often as a result of underlying heart conditions. Sudden Cardiac Arrest can lead to Sudden Cardiac Death.
· Underlying heart conditions that can lead to SCA include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM, which causes the heart to enlarge. Heart enlargements account for the majority of conditions that can cause Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).
· HCM affects 1 in 500 Americans and is the most common cause of sudden death in young people under age 24.
· Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HCM or HOCM) is a condition affecting the heart muscle. The muscle becomes abnormally thick, or enlarged, which affects the pumping action of the heart. Blood flow can be obstructed during the pumping cycle, preventing blood from moving out of the heart and causing sudden cardiac death.
· HCM is an inherited condition; if one family member is diagnosed other family members should be screened to determine if they also have HCM.
· About two-thirds of unexpected cardiac deaths occur without warning of heart disease.
· Most people with HCM experience few or no symptoms. Symptoms could include chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting. Physical exertion from exercise can aggravate the condition, resulting in a catastrophic health crisis.