Patient Center
Healthcare Simplified
August 2007:
Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)

A simple test can help save a life.

 

We’ve all heard the terrible stories – a seemingly healthy young high school athlete suddenly dies.  Although rare, these tragic occurrences can be caused by unrecognized congenital cardiovascular conditions.

 

Raising awareness and taking a proactive role can make a notable difference in this significant and sometimes overlooked issue.

 

The technology to detect and diagnose these conditions is out there. And as many fortunate patients have learned, our young athletes 'don’t have to be at risk.'

 

 

Healthcare news: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) may save our young athletes

We’ve all heard the terrible stories – a seemingly healthy young high school athlete suddenly dies. A routine physical that includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) may prevent such tragedies.

Read article

 

Profiles in Excellence: Dr. William J. Rappoport

This cardiologist strives to bring cardiac testing to all student athletes.

Read article

 

Patient Story: “I wasn’t going to let it stop my life” – Doug McWhorter

“Doug had had a physical every year for 17 years,” recalls his father Gene, “but this was the first time anyone had done an ECG. It saved his life, his younger brother’s life and my life.” 

Read article

 

Exam Guide: Echocardiograms

Echocardiograms are sometimes used as a followup to ECG studies. But What is Echocardiography and how does it work?

Go to exam

 

Resources: 10 sites to keep handy

Education and support on Cardiomyopathy and student athlete heart health. 

Review list

 

Site of the month: HeartStart Home Defibrillator

Learn how important a home defibrillator can be in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest.

View summary

 

 

 

+ Last month: Alternatives to open surgery

 

 

 

The content on this site is intended to be used for educational purposes only ...

Helpful tip

 

Sign up your family for your community's next CPR course.

 

In this section

 

+ About this site