Frequently Asked Questions about ECG Screening

1. What is an ECG?

An ECG is a completely painless test which evaluates the health of your heart. It measures your heart rate and electrical activity.

2. What does it mean if my child’s screening ECG
finding indicates that further evaluation is needed?

It may indicate the presence of a serious cardiac condition that may
require further follow up testing and treatment by a physician.

3. Will additional testing be needed?

Your child’s physician will determine the need for further testing and
treatment.

4. How soon should I have my child see a physician?

If your child’s ECG result shows further evaluation is needed, you
should have your child examined by your family physician within two
weeks of being notified of the results of the screening ECG.

5. Will a diagnosis be made based on my child’s
screening ECG?

No. A clinical diagnosis can only be made incorporating the ECG
findings with a history and physical performed by a physician. If you
are told your child needs additional follow up, you will receive a copy
of the ECG and one can be sent to your child’s physician.

6. 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.

7. If my child’s screening ECG finding indicates the
need for follow up evaluation and testing with a
physician does that mean he/she has a life threatening
condition?

Possibly. 2% of screening ECGs will result in “false positive” findings. A
false positive ECG 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. You need to decide for yourself if this risk is worth
it or not.

8. If my child’s ECG is within normal limits, does this
mean that they have a healthy heart?

An ECG can only detect 60% of those at risk for sudden cardiac
death. There are some conditions that cannot be detected with an
ECG. Until further testing is available this is the best tool to detect
those at risk. The ECG is a supplement to your physician’s evaluation
of your child. It is recommended that you also complete a questionnaire
(sent with the results of your child’s ECG) which evaluates for symptoms
and family history clues that may require further evaluation by your
physician.

9. If my child’s ECG is within normal limits, does it need
to be repeated again in future years?

Current international recommendations are to repeat the ECG every
other year through age 25.
 
Related Resources
www.brugada.org
http://www.qtsyndrome.ch/
http://www.suddencardiacarrest.org/
http://www.4hcm.org/
www.parentheartwatch.org