Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death

The most common cause of sudden death in our young people are congenital abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels that are present at birth, but that usually produce no symptoms. The most common heart abnormality that can cause Sudden Cardiac Death is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an enlarged heart and occurs in one out of every 500 people.  Most heart defects can not be detected without the use of sophisticated medical equipment and expert medical personnel.  Screening America has worked diligently to perfect a screening program that is designed to detect the most common causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in young people.  By using our specialized medical equipment, and our expert medical staff, along with board certified cardiologist supervision and interpretation, we are able to identify most of the causes of Sudden Cardiac Death before they turn into a tragedy.

What is a Sudden Cardiac Death Screening?

Our Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention Screening consists of a health history questionnaire, blood pressure check, an Electrocardiogram (ECG), and a limited Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound). These exams are read by a local board certified cardiologist (heart specialist) who is an expert in interpreting the exams. The results of the screening are mailed to the parent (or student, if 18 years old) for them to share with their personal physician. If the results require further evaluation, depending on the student’s age, their personal physician may recommend the student be referred to a cardiologist or a pediatric cardiologist (a heart specialist who is an expert in evaluating heart abnormalities in young people). The Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention Screening does not replace the pre-participation physicals offered by schools, but gives additional information about the heart.

Prevention

The first step to prevention is early detection. By taking an active role in this potentially life saving screening you may prevent a tragedy from occurring to your child. Preventative health screenings are an inexpensive and cost effective way to aid in the management of your health and the well being of your family. There is nothing more devastating than the death of a child.

We have all heard of a professional athlete dying suddenly, usually because of an enlarged heart.  In early March of 2011, if we listened to the CBS, NBC, ABC news, as well as their early morning programs, we would have heard of not one, not two, not three, but four untimely deaths of young people, high school age, that died suddenly within a period of about a week.  These deaths were tragic…and preventable.  These high school athletes died of an enlarged heart while playing basketball, playing rugby, and running track.  Many of these deaths go unreported.  Medical studies have shown that these deaths do not only occur in athletes, but they can happen to all young people, active or not.  The technology is there to identify the causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in our young people.  These terrible, tragic events need not occur.  Our youth need to be screened, and we know what to look for.  No screening program can detect every abnormality, but quality screening programs are effective, and necessary.  They save lives.

Why should I have my child screened?

Screenings are important for everyone.  With the evolution of preventative medicine, quality medical screening programs are now available to everyone.  Early detection of disease allows for early intervention and treatment.  There is no longer a reason to wait for a tragic event to occur…it may be prevented with a screening.  Quality screening programs are proven to save lives, and are readily available at an affordable price.

Parent Resources:

• How Parents Can Protect Young Hearts
• How Parents Can Protect Young Hearts 2
• Protect Your Child’s Heart

Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention Screenings are not just for athletes, but for all young people ages 12-34 years of age. These screenings should be repeated every 1-2 years during adolescence.