When thinking about screening the heart, we tend to imagine people over the age of 50 in need of such a test. However, in some cases, it is important for adolescents to have a heart test just like adults do. We've all heard stories about healthy teenagers who collapsed on the sports field and sadly died. Adolescence can be a serious condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can cause sudden cardiac death. Sudden cardiac death in teens is usually caused by a defect in the heart. Exercise can cause sudden cardiac death in young people who are affected by abnormalities or heart defects.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle is thickened and the heart is enlarged. This is a hereditary heart disease. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is treatable and can save lives. This genetic disease can cause several problems:
* Arrhythmia, this is a slow or irregular heart beat
* The heart may not get the flow of blood and oxygen supply that it needs in order to function properly
* In rare cases, sudden cardiac death
Indications or Symptoms
With regard to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, there are some signs or symptoms to watch out for. None of these symptoms should be overlooked:
* Rapid heartbeat
* Dizziness
* Light-headedness
* Feelings of faintness
* Shortness of breath
* Pain in the chest
Long QT Syndrome
Long QT syndrome is a disorder that affects cardiac rhythm and is inherited. Extremely fast heartbeats can also lead to sudden infant death syndrome. If you have a family history of sudden death syndrome with signs and symptoms such as fainting and shortness of breath, it is imperative that your teenager have a cardiac assessment. There are many organizations that provide cardiac screening education to both parents and teenagers. More importantly, these organizations are also raising awareness at school. Educated and conscious living is the first step to heart health. An echocardiogram of the heart can determine if you are at risk. Talk to your doctor or school and ask about heart screening in your area. Many parents discuss with schools and general practitioners having a teenager get a heart test, especially before going into school sports. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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