Free Cardiac Screening For Teen Athletes
On Saturday, February 2nd, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset is offering a free cardiac screening for teen athletes. Sudden Cardiac Arrest describes electrical problems in the heart that cause a dangerously irregular heart rhythm, which prevents blood flow throughout the body. Although it is rare, young athletes are more than twice as likely to experience SCA as compared to non-athletes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that as many as 2,000 deaths are a result of youth SCA on an annual basis. Recently in my high school, a student athlete suffered from cardiac arrest in the middle of a school day. A nurse rushed to quickly gain access to an AED, and saved my classmate’s life. Thankfully, the student made a full recovery, but this scare should not go unnoticed by our community members.
Heart health can often be overlooked by teenagers, which is why it is so important for students stay conscious of their bodies, especially when training so intensely week after week. Dr. Parag Patel of Medicor Cardiology in Hillsborough states that “the most common cause of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in teenagers is family history.” The screening offered by the hospital can help determine those at risk. Dr. Patel explains that in this screening, “we evaluate any history, any symptoms, we will do an EKG, and potentially an ultrasound of the heart.” Save several hundred dollars by signing up for this free screening for athletes ages 14 to 18. Please refer to the flyer to register and for more information.
