BeLIEVE in Heart Screening!

We all go about our daily lives and never really think about the effects of SCA, Sudden Cardiac Arrest. When most of us hear the words "Sudden Cardiac Arrest" we immediately think of an adult or someone who might have been sick or have heart issues however; it is important to remember that SCA happens to children as well.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) has been ranked as the number one sudden killer in children. Recently a teen in New Boston, Texas, collapsed during a physical education class. A normal PE Class on a normal day. All kids have a daily routine of classes that they may have some physical exertion but it shouldn't cause any child to experience any issues or problems.

SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) doesn't just happen to those who are athletes, it can happen to any kid during any typical activity such as P.E. or a school dance or running on the playground.

Recently Children's Hospital's Care Network did a medical study of 400 children and young teens which concluded that it would be effective to screen all healthy school-aged children, not just limiting it to athletes. Currently, Italy and China use this practice and it is hoped that the U.S. will follow in their foot steps. The cost is minimal and it only takes about 10 minutes to complete but could save thousands of lives each year. If you live in the Texas area; THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano is supporting Living for Zachary by offering non-invasive electrocardiogram and echocardiogram screenings to youth ages 13-22.  This heart screening is offered for $100, this screening package may prove to be invaluable to hundreds of youth in Plano and surrounding communities. Parents can call 1-800-4BAYLOR and request the “Living for Zachary” screening. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The popular TV doctor, Dr. Oz ran a segment of his show in spring of last year and discussed SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest). During his show he told viewers how important it is for children to have their heart screened. Dr. OZ mentioned that there are usually no symptoms, no real warning signs to go by, just a normal child whose heart suddenly fails. He told a story of a 12 year old girl from Texas who was on vacation with her family and had asked to play at the water park. Her mom dropped her and a friend off and never knew that would be the last time she saw her child alive. The young girl suffered SCA while at the water park.

It is crucial to be pro-active and know your child's genetic risk factors as well as family health history. It is also just as important to know how to prevent death if a SCA situation arises. The government in Texas has now placed (AED's) automated external defibrillator's in all of the schools. Those AED's will save the life of our children as will having your heart screened.