A simple screening could identify a potentially life-threatening condition in teens. The Adolescent Cardiac Screening is offered annually by Blessing Health System at no-cost to families. The screening, which includes a cardiac ultrasound, can identify abnormalities in the heart that could cause life threatening arrhythmias or even sudden cardiac arrest. “It’s just two quick measurements that we do and the doctor, a cardiologist, interprets those numbers and determines if they are within the range or out of the range,” explains Debbie Heinecke, Administrative Director for the Blessing Heart and Vascular Center.
According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, vigorous exercise — like the kind you’d find at an athletic practice or in a competition – can trigger a heart condition that showed no symptoms before. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), sudden death from a heart condition affects one in 40,000 student athletes. It is the leading cause of all sudden deaths that happen to college athletes during exercise, training, and competition.
Colin Kurk, son of Craig and Erin Kurk took part in the screening hosted by Blessing in June 2021. “As a parent you worry about so many things, but this screening gave me one less thing to worry about. Colin is a multi-sport athlete, and now I know he can safely do all the things he loves,” explains Erin.
Teen-agers who are not athletes, nor are involved in regular vigorous exercise, can also to be at risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a cardiac risk screening be completed on all adolescents at least every three years. The AAP recommendations include incorporating four questions into routine visits with primary care.
“It’s all about the preventative piece and identifying issues or concerns early. It gives parents piece of mind, getting their children’s heart screened. It’s just a way to give back to the community, to improve their health,” explains Heinecke. Since 2018, Blessing Health System has provided nearly 200 no-cost cardiac ultrasounds to adolescent and teens.