HCP Education and Screening for Sudden Cardiac Death

By GREG HARDESTY
LAGUNA BEACH - A young athlete in seemingly excellent health dies, and a community shudders.
The mysterious death of Megan Myers, 14, of Dana Point during a three-mile cross country competition last month not only has devastated her loved ones, but has raised anxiety among parents of student athletes.
What can be done to reduce the risk of a child dying from physical activity?
As the coroner continues to try to determine the cause of Megan's death Sept. 26, many people who have been affected by sudden cardiac death - one possible explanation for what killed Megan - are urging teens to undergo heart screenings in addition to mandated pre-participation physicals.
Holly Morrell is founder and executive director of Heartfelt Cardiac Projects in Laguna Beach. She has lost six relatives to the genetic and potentially fatal heart disease hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Q. Are there warning signs to look out for?
Shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, blackouts. An accurate family health history is extremely important. It's also crucial for parents to understand that many times, the first symptom is death.
A. Are students more at risk based on age?
In my family, sudden cardiac death occurred in a 3-year-old, a 12-year-old, a 14-year-old, a 53-year-old, a 57-year-old and a 67-year-old.
Are mandated physicals enough for high school athletes?
Generally speaking, the pre-sports participation physical exams that are offered to families are inadequate in terms of cardiac evaluation. Kids are cleared to play sports without anyone really knowing if their hearts are healthy. A quick listen from a stethoscope is not enough.
How much money should a parent spend on tests?
Cardiac screening can be quite expensive, from $500 to $1,500. That's why I've created Heartfelt Cardiac Projects, and run nonprofit programs to offer cardiac screenings for a tax-deductible donation that can range from $65-$85.
Aren't we talking a very remote chance of something bad happening on the athletic field?
If a parent had a chance to prevent his or her child from being in a fatal car accident, wouldn't he or she? Early detection of heart conditions can save lives.
What screening techniques do you recommend?
The best two tools for detection for the risks of sudden cardiac death are the electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) and the echocardiogram (Echo). The EKG measures electrical activity of the heart, and the Echo uses ultrasound to capture images of the heart. Both are quick, easy and painless.
Tell us about your screening program.
Families can be screened for a nominal tax-deductible donation. Additionally, Heartfelt secures sponsorship funding and grants to supplement the costs of screening to offer free screenings for high school athletes and low-income families whenever possible.
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