Youth Heart Screenings

What is a Heart Screening?
Heart screenings are not currently a part of regular well-child checkups or  pre-participation sports physicals, despite the fact that studies show the standard non-cardio focused approach to youth checkups misses 90% of youth at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. EKGs have been shown to be the most effective screening tool. The  stethoscope was invented 200 years ago: the fact is that heart conditions that may trigger SCA can only be seen, not heard. That’s why international guidelines recommend youth be screened every two years through age 25.

What happens at a heart screening?
Our heart screening is open to all  youth ages 12-25 years old. The screening typically takes about an hour to complete.  Here is what it consists of.

• Record your child's weigh, height & blood pressure.
• Review your family history form with you and your child with a health care professional that needs to be completed prior to attending and will be provided to you once you register.
  
• An EKG will be performed by a healthcare professional. Girls and boys will be in separate areas.
• The EKG will be reviewed by a doctor and discussed with child & parent.
• If the doctor deems it necessary, a follow up echocardiogram will be performed.
• Short training for the child on how perform hands-only CPR and how to use an AED.
• Parent is notified of the results at the screening.

Visit our Screenings page to see upcoming Screening events