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Frequently
Asked Questions
What
exactly is HCM? HCM is
a genetic defect that causes the heart muscle fibers
to be arranged in an unorganized fashion. The result
is an increased risk of sudden cardian
arrhythmias (rhythm disturbances), syncope (fainting)
and SCD. In fact, history of fainting
with exercise is a "red flag" for
serious cardiac disease. Many times there is a
clear family history of the disorder. However,
it is being increasingly realized that many young
athletes will be "new mutations",
that is, will have no prior family history.
What
can a parent do? Sudden
Cardiac Deaths (SCD) are preventable. A
Parent can insure that his/her adolescent athlete
is healthy and at minimal risk for competitive
sports participation by:
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Getting
your child a routine Echocardiogram (heart
ultrasound), which is effective in detecting many "silent
causes" of HCM. This screening
is an essential part of the pre-participation sports
physical. |
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Getting
your child a physical exam by a primary care provider
(pediatrician or family physician). |
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Sharing
your family's complete medical history for both
the physical examination and heart screening. |
Please
note that only one Echocardiogram is
needed to potentially find an HCM problem.
What
is an Echocardiogram? An
Echocardiogram (Echo) is a common type
of ultrasound exam that allows physicians to view
the heart during the exam. A technologist will
apply a gel to an area of the chest and then take
a picture by placing a small probe on the skin.
An Echo uses high frequency sound waves to produce
images of the heart. This allows the physician
to actually look at the structures of the heart
as well as to see the blood moving through the
heart. This test has been in use for over 20 years.
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This
Echo is intended only as a limited screening heart
study to rule out the presense of.
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Hypertonic
Cardomyopathy (HCM) |
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Obstruction
of blood flow out of the heart |
It
is not intended to rule out all causes of heart disease
among young athletes.
How
much will the Echocardiogram cost? The
normal cost for Echocardiograms ranges from a low
of about $800 to as much as $1,500.
However,
a unique program has been developed by Digirad Ultrascan Solutions, Inc.
This program was formed due to a number
of tragic deaths
of high school athletes in recent years.
We are calling this unique new program Heart
Screens for Teens.
With
multiple screenings at or near your local high school,
the cost through the Heart Screens for Teens program
will be only $58. Please make your
checks payable to Heart Screens for Teens.
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The
cost of the screening is reduced, but rest assured
that expert pediatric cardiologists, with professional
technologists and with state-of-the-art equipment
will be utilized to perform this test as a high
quality study. |
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Official
reports and sports clearances will be
provided to parents/guardians and primary care
physicians. |
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Any
athlete with an abnormal test will be given specific
recommendations for medical follow-up. |
We
look forward to providing the Heart Screens
for Teens program for your child and community.
We strive to improve the health and well being of all children while providing an increased awarenes
of HCM and SCD.
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