Free Youth Heart Screenings Offered at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 8th

SEATTLE – In a vital effort to combat cardiovascular diseases affecting young people, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is sponsoring free heart screenings for youth on March 8th at the virginia Mason Athletic center. This initiative, in partnership with the Nick of Time Foundation and the Seattle Seahawks, addresses the alarming reality that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for exercising young athletes. The screenings aim to identify potential cardiac conditions and abnormalities, offering early detection and intervention. The event includes a complete heart screening, including a review of family and personal medical histories, a physical examination involving listening to the heart, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). This multi-faceted approach is designed to catch silent diseases that frequently enough present no warning signs until a catastrophic event occurs.

The event provides a complete heart screening, including a review of family and personal medical histories, a physical examination involving listening to the heart, and an electrocardiogram (EKG).This multi-faceted approach is designed to catch silent diseases that often present no warning signs until a catastrophic event occurs.

The Silent Threat of Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes

Dr. Hank Pelto, a sports medicine doctor at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, emphasizes the gravity of the situation. it’s a tragic story that many of us have heard and seen on the, TV or read in the newspaper of a young, healthy athlete doing the things that they love to do, and suddenly they just drop. And, sadly, some of those people die, Dr. Pelto said. He added, It’s something that we take very seriously as sports medicine physicians. And in the medical world in general.

According to Dr. Pelto, many cardiac diseases are “silent diseases,” meaning the first indication of a problem can be sudden cardiac arrest. This underscores the importance of proactive screening measures to identify underlying issues before they become life-threatening.

A Partnership for Prevention

Virginia Mason Franciscan health is collaborating with the Nick of Time Foundation and the Seattle Seahawks to provide these vital screenings. The Nick of Time Foundation was founded by Dr. Little Runty after his son, Nick Frenchy, tragically died of sudden cardiac arrest in high school. The foundation’s mission is to prevent similar tragedies through education and early detection.

Dr. Pelto highlighted the foundation’s crucial role: The Nick of Time Foundation is just an astonishing group founded by Dr. Little Runty, whose son, Nick Frenchy, died of sudden cardiac arrest in high school. The Nick at Time Foundation puts on heart screenings at local high schools and on March 8th will be at the virginia mason Athletic Complex.

Extensive Screening Process

The heart screenings are thorough, incorporating several key components. in addition to family and personal history reviews and listening to the heart, an EKG is performed. An EKG is a really crucial piece of this, which looks at the electrical activity of the heart and helps us distinguish 80 plus percent of the things that could perhaps be wrong with the heart, Dr.Pelto explained.

Moreover, the event offers advanced diagnostic capabilities on-site. We’re very fortunate to have echocardiograms on site. We can do an ultrasound of the heart. So, if anything flags is concerning history, heart sounds or the EKG, we get an even more extensive heart rate test right there at that moment, Dr. Pelto added. This allows for immediate follow-up and a more detailed assessment if any concerns arise during the initial screening.

CPR and AED Training: Empowering the Community

Beyond the screenings themselves, the event includes CPR and AED placement training. This aims to equip community members with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency. So, if an event like this happens, young people, older people, anybody along the age spectrum, we wont people to have awareness of how to really, truly be lifesavers, Dr. Pelto said.

A Patient’s Outlook: The Impact of Screening

albert Lee, a patient of Dr. Pelto, attended a previous screening event and discovered a previously unknown heart abnormality.It was a great experience, Lee said. Basically, I got my EKG after that, learned how to do CPR and how to use the aids.So,that was pretty neat and fun,and it’s a good thing to know. And then I went to Dr. Pelton, and he showed me a scan of the EKG that I had an abnormality. From there they just I was in their hands, and they took care of me.

Lee’s experience highlights the potential life-saving benefits of these screenings. Despite having no prior knowledge of his condition, the screening led to timely intervention and treatment.

Dr. Pelto emphasized that Lee’s case is not unique,and many young adults are unaware of underlying heart abnormalities. A real key point of these screenings is that there’s some understandable fear that people have about, ‘Oh, I’m going to find something or we’re going to see something in myself or my child,’ said Dr. Pelto. Our goal is to enhance the activity and continue to allow for safe participation in sports.Albert is a great example of this. We find something [that’s] clearly an abnormality and a problem, something that could have been life altering for him. and then we give him the best advice we can treat it.

Following his diagnosis, Lee underwent surgery and was able to resume normal activities, including playing in a baseball tournament, within a few weeks.

Recommendations and Registration

Dr. Pelto advises parents to ensure their children receive regular heart screenings and to consult a doctor if their child experiences chest pain or shortness of breath during exercise.

We’re just really lucky to partner with people like Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and the Seattle Seahawks to have these big screenings, he said.So,sign up,come see us and get tested.

This year’s free heart screening, a collaborative effort between the Nick of Time Foundation, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and the Seahawks, will take place on March 8th at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

Conclusion

The free youth heart screenings offered on March 8th represent a vital prospect for young athletes and their families to proactively address potential cardiac issues. By combining comprehensive screenings with CPR and AED training, Virginia Mason Franciscan health, the nick of Time Foundation, and the Seattle Seahawks are working to create a safer and healthier community for all.