Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and in Illinois. Midwest Heart Community Foundation (MHCF) under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Marek, clinical cardiologist with Midwest Heart Specialists, is working to increase the awareness of sudden cardiac death.

Sadly, we have all heard stories and read articles about teenagers, seemingly in peak athletic condition, who suddenly and shockingly have died during sports competitions. In the United States, it is estimated that each week sudden cardiac death claims the lives of 30 young adults usually during intense physical activity and more than 7,000 young people under 18 years of age die from undetected heart conditions each year. The tragedy of these deaths-for families, for schools, for communities-is amplified when we realize how needless and preventable they are: one third of these deaths may have bene prevented through a simple, inexpensive cardiac screening.

Young athletes suffer sudden cardiac death at a rate two to three times as high as their less-active peers. In the U.S., more than 20 million teenagers participate in athletics. It is estimated that as many as 300 people will die each year from the silent heart condition HCM, and the vast majority will be young adults under 18.

HCM is the most common cause of sudden death in young adults comprising more than one-third of cases. HCM is a genetic abnormality present in approximately one in 500 people. It enlarges the left ventricle of the heart, which can trigger fatal heart-rhythm disturbances particularly during exercise. An electrocardiogram (EKG) can detect certain impulse patterns or “markers” associated with HCM that a stethoscope cannot.

In 2004, the International Olympic Committee and the European Society of Cardiology recommended that athletes under the age of 35 be screened with an EKG before they can participate in sports. Medical experts in the U.S. have not adopted the European recommendations on screening for HCM and as a result there are no routine screening programs for this condition in the U.S.

The Midwest Herat Community Foundation, which administers Young Hearts for Life™, is a non-profit public charity dedicated to improving the prevention and management of cardiovascular and related diseases through research, education and community leadership. Young Hearts for Life™ is a free EKG program created to identify high school students at risk for sudden cardiac death.

Young Hearts for Life™ brings qualified medical volunteers to high schools in the Chicago area to administer free electrocardiograms (EKGs) to students. The EKG can help to detect a genetic heart defect, called hypertrophic cardiomyapathy, whichis the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

Since 2006, Midwest Heart Community Foundation has screened over 17,000 students in collaboration with high schools and community volunteers. The Midwest Heart Community Foundation has trained more than 1,000 volunteers and engaged numerous cardiologists to volunteer with the program: administering the EKG's, analyzing test results, and providing educational resources to the community.Already, over 350 families have been notified of abnormal EKG findings that have needed further evaluation and testing. Several teens have received treatment. Without the Young Hearts for Life™program, these students'parents would not have had the information they needed to make proactive decisions about their children's health and welfare.

All students that participate in the screening must have a signed consent by a parent or legal guardian prior to the screening. Parents are provided background information on HCM, the purpose of the program as well as what their child can expect during the screening.

The screening consists of a three minute EKG. Volunteers attach electrodes to the students’ chest and limbs in preparation for the EKG. An EKG monitors the electrical activity of the heart and prints the information about its rate and rhythm. The EKG print out is then read by a trained cardiologist who interprets the results.

Community and industry support is essential to the foundation efforts to meet the increasing demand from schools to bring the Young Hearts for Life™screening to more children.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and in Illinois. Each week sudden cardiac death claims the lives of more than 30 young adults in the United States. One-third of these cases is caused by a specific heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM for short, is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes under age 18. It causes a thickening of the heart muscle that may occasionally produce heart rhythm disturbances which could be fatal.

How common is HCM?
One in every 500 individuals is affected by HCM.

Does HCM cause symptoms?
Yes, but not always. Many individuals may not exhibit any symptoms. The following are symptoms that can be associated with HCM. These symptoms however, can be associated with other conditions and their presence alone does not indicate HCM.
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest pain
• Palpitation
• Light-headedness
• Fainting

How is HCM diagnosed?
HCM can be diagnosed because of symptoms. In the presence of symptoms an echocardiogram is necessary. An EKG is a screening method for those without symptoms.

What is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram (EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart by placing electrodes on the chest, wrist and ankles. Ninety Percent of those with HCM usually show an abnormal electrical signal due to the thickening of the heart muscle. Those with an abnormal EKG reading are referred to their primary care physician for additional testing.

Does a normal EKG result mean you are OK?
Possibly. However, there are other causes of sudden cardiac death that may not be detected with an EKG. A normal EKG significantly lowers your childs risk for sudden cardiac death, but it is not infallible.

Is HCM treatable?
Yes. The condition can be effectively managed if diagnosed in time. Risk of sudden cardiac death is minimized.

How often should an individual be screened for HCM?
Individuals should be screened every two years beginning at age 14 throughout the young adult years.

What does it mean if my child’s screening EKG is Abnormal?
It may indicate the presence of a significant cardiac condition that may require further evaluation and treatment by a physician.

Will additional testing be needed?
Your child’s physician will determine the need for further testing, consultation and treatment.

How soon should I have my child see a physician?
If your child has an abnormal screening result you should have your child examined by your family physician within two weeks of being notified of the results of the screening EKG

Will a diagnosis be made based on my child’s screening EKG?
A clinical diagnosis can only be made by integrating the EKG findings with a history and physical performed by a physician. If your child has an abnormal EKG you will receive a copy of the EKG and one can be sent to your child’s physician.

Will my child’s results be shared with the school?
Absolutely not. This is healthcare information that will only be shared with you. No information will be shared with anyone without your express written permission.

If my child’s EKG is abnormal, does that mean they have a life threatening condition?
Possibly. Your child will need to have further evaluation and testing. There is a 2% chance that your child’s EKG will result in “false positive” findings. A false positive EKG indicates a defect may exist, but further testing shows there is no problem. We realize that this may cause some anxiety for parents. We believe that the benefit of this potentially life saving screening outweighs this concern.

If my child’s EKG is normal does this mean that they have a healthy heart?
An EKG can only detect 40% of those at risk for sudden cardiac death. There are some conditions that cannot be detected with an EKG. Until further testing is available this is the best tool to detect those at risk.

If my child’s EKG is normal does it need to be repeated again in future years?
Current international recommendations are to repeat the EKG every other year through age 25.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association

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