Q. Who is the Student Heart Check program designed for?
The screening program is limited to high school students age 13 – 18 that are at the highest risk for sudden cardiac deaths.
Q. How does the Student Heart Check program differ from a pre-participation sports physical?
Pre-participation
sports physicals differ in intensity and scope. Our Student Heart Check
offers a more comprehensive focus on the heart, looking for signs of
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM), or other potentially dangerous heart
ailments that may raise a student’s risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Combined with a health history questionnaire focused on the family and
individual’s heart history, the Student Heart Check program uses an
electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (echo) to more
intently focus on heart abnormalities.
Q. How much does the Student Heart Check cost?
Student
Heart Checks are provided free of charge as a community service
offering. This includes a full report of the screening, a review by a
physician and an ECG. A quick look echo will also be provided, if
clinically indicated.
Q. How can such valuable tests be offered at no charge?
This
program can be provided at no cost to the students due to the volunteer
efforts of the physicians and staff. In addition, philanthropic
donations and Beaumont have provided funds for the purchase of equipment
and supplies needed for the screening.
Q. How can my child receive a free Student Heart Check student screening?
We typically hold free screenings throughout the year. The next screening will be posted on the website six
to eight weeks before it is scheduled. Registration is required for
these events and can be made online or by calling 800 328-8542.
Q. What happens if the screening results for my child come back abnormal?
A
report of the screening results will be sent home to the student’s
parents or guardian for you to share with your family physician. If an
abnormality is found that results in a “stop” activity recommendation,
the parents will be notified and consulted immediately by the physician.
Q. What is an echocardiogram?
The echocardiogram
(or echo) is an ultrasound of the heart. The echo utilizes sound waves
to produce a picture of the heart. This picture can them be used to
determine valve structure, heart wall thickness and the pumping ability
of the heart.
Q. What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
An ECG
is a painless test that evaluates the electrical activity of the heart.
It is a short test, taking only minutes to perform. Tracings of the
electrical activity of the heart are obtained by having trained
personnel attached electrodes to the chest, which are connected to the
ECG machine via lead wires. These wires help transmit the electrical
activity back to the ECG machine and transform the electrical impulses
into waveforms. These waveforms can then be evaluated for abnormalities
by the physician.
Q. What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
(HCM) is an inherited condition that causes the heart muscle to become
thickened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
This may prevent the heart from getting enough blood and oxygen during
exercise which could trigger a cardiac arrest and death.
Q. What is the cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
The
actual cause of HCM is not known, however it is commonly an inherited
condition that results in genetic defects that control growth of the
heart muscle.
Q. How common is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
HCM is a relatively uncommon disorder, and is estimated to affect 1 in 500 people.
Q. What are common symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Not
everyone with HCM will demonstrate signs or symptoms of the disorder.
However, symptoms associated with HCM include chest pain, dizziness,
fainting, heart failure, syncopy (passing out), lightheadedness,
skipping or racing heart, shortness of breath (with activity or when
lying down), and fatigue.
Q. How can hypertrophic cardiomyopathy be detected?
Initial
signs of HCM can sometimes be detected through an electrocardiogram
(ECG). In those with an ECG suggestive of HCM, the diagnosis can be made
utilizing an echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart.