Should all young athletes undergo cardiovascular screening? | Corwell Health

Young athletes collapsed on the field due to a previously unknown heart condition, causing anxiety and anxiety.

Events naturally interest parents. It is terrifying that these accidents can happen without warning.

Many parents wonder if all young athletes should have a cardiovascular exam.

The answer is according Thomas BoydenMDwith Cardiovascular Medicine at Corewell Health in Western Michigan, is not.

He said that such cases, which naturally attract public attention, are rare.

“In general, young athletes who are in good shape do not have heart problems,” said Dr. Boyden, noting that American College of Cardiology It is reported that only 1 in 50,000 suffer from these heart problems.

Learn about the symptoms

However, Dr. Boyden said there are factors that may contribute to such heart conditions.

Although there are no guarantees, knowing a young person’s family history and taking appropriate medical action when symptoms appear may help prevent such sudden and sometimes fatal events.

“Not every athlete needs to be examined,” he said. “But there are some birth defects that can put athletes at greater risk.”

Some athletes may be asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show any symptoms that could cause a problem.

However, Dr. Boyden said, some of the symptoms include chest pain, light-headedness, and shortness of breath when doing their activity.

All of these could be signs that something else is going on. Also, if someone passes away during an activity, this is an indication that you have to do further examination.

In such cases, he said, an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram may be needed. If problems are found, more extensive testing is likely.

Get ready out of the field

A good starting point for parents wondering if their children might need additional screening is to review the athletes’ pretest results required by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

For the 2022-23 school year, pre-MHSAA physical exercise is required for all students who participate in sports. the Form It must be filled out before athletes can compete.

“Most young people, especially athletes, don’t need a cardiovascular scan,” said Dr. Boyden. “Heart disease is rare but possible, so a good family history and a good physical exam can help reduce some concerns.”

In the meantime, as a precaution, he said one of the best things coaches and athletes can do is learn CPR. Knowing CPR can help save a life if an athlete or anyone collapses.