Saving Young Lives through Heart Screenings
Midland Health has partnered again with Championship Hearts Foundation to provide a free teen heart screening this summer for the youth in and around Midland. The mission of Championship Hearts is to prevent sudden cardiac death in the adolescent population. By screening for unrecognized heart conditions, we also strive to provide reassurance for young athletes and their families.
Cardiac disease is the number one cause of death in the US, yet the adolescent population is not generally screened for heart abnormalities. The leading cause of sudden cardiac death in youth is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious heart condition that affects one in 500 of the general population. HCM has no symptoms and sudden cardiac arrest is usually the first sign of any trouble. During the last 24 years, Championship Hearts has screened almost 30,000 Texas youth and has determined on average, 1 in 250 has a condition known to cause Sudden Cardiac Death.
The FREE heart screening offered by Championship Hearts Foundation includes a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and a limited echocardiogram (ECHO), two tests not typically part of standard pre-participation or annual medical examinations for adolescents. Estimated at a $700 value, the screening is offered free of charge to any teens ages 14-18. The tests are non-invasive and painless.
Although designed to detect HCM, the screening can also reveal other serious heart abnormalities such as Long QT Syndrome, Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome, and Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease. The Championship Hearts screening program is recognized by the Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology as a quality initiative.
On Saturday, August 3rd, Midland teens have the opportunity to receive this free heart screening providing important baseline health knowledge for those students and their families. Local volunteer cardiologists will provide immediate screening results to appreciative parents and students. If suspected heart conditions are identified, students will receive a referral for further pediatric cardiology evaluation. For most attendees, the entire process will be completed in about one hour.
Want to get your teen’s heart screened? Championship Hearts Foundation and Midland Memorial will offer the FREE Teen Heart Screening on August 3, 2024 from 9 AM – 1 PM. Pre-registration is available online at champhearts.org, or by calling the Foundation at 888-884-6945 or 512-900-3243. Volunteer opportunities are also available at the August screening for adults and high school students via the GET INVOLVED tab on the Foundation website.
By: Michelle Garcia
Executive Director at Championship Hearts Foundation