Cardiac Screening

Major Support for These Screenings Provided by QualCare

According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac death is the result of an unexpected failure of proper heart function during or immediately after exercise. Ninety percent of cardiac deaths in young athletes occur in youth sports-related competition. About 100 such deaths are reported in the United States each year.

In coordination with the American Heart Association and The American Academy of Pediatrics and their recommendations, the state of New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Education requires all school athletes to be examined by a primary care physician at least once per year to include a full physical exam. This would include a complete screening of blood pressure and heart rate and rhythm abnormalities along with a complete evaluation of medical history. At this time electrocardiograms (EKG’s) are not a state requirement as part of the pre-participation physical process to participate in youth sports.

In most cases, unless a preexisting or congenital heart defect exists, most children have not had a baseline EKG or complete cardiac screening in their lifetime. The number one cause of sudden cardiac death is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) otherwise known as enlargement of the heart muscle. Without proper screening and assessment this condition can go undetected.

Cardiac screenings are offered for ages 6-18 and include a baseline EKG and resting blood pressure along with a thorough review of medical history and EKG interpretation by a pediatric cardiologist. EKG findings can result in further testing and are referred to your physician for evaluation to ensure each child's safety. Experts recommend a repeat screening be held every 2 years.