Screening for Prevention

---

Of the leading causes of death (accidents, suicides, homicide, cancer and heart conditions) among young people, sudden cardiac arrest is the only one that can be prevented through primary and secondary prevention strategies.  

Primary prevention involves a simple and painless screening using an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)  and echocardiogram (ECHO).  Unfortunately, young people are not adequately screened for heart conditions which can identify a problem before it is too late.

In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated their policy statement on SCA in youth to recommend routine heart screening for all young people, with diagnostic follow-up for concerns.  The 2021 report offers new and improved guidance to help primary care providers identify children at risk for heart-related problems that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest or death.  The policy underscores that all young people should be regularly screened for heart issues regardless of their level of physical activity or participation in sports programs. 

Approximately 2% of young people that are heart-screened are diagnosed with a heart abnormality or concern, while 1% are diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition.  As children grow their hearts change and repeat evaluations are recommended.   To learn more about myth versus facts related to heart screening for youth go to -  myth vs. fact - Parent Heart Watch .

If a child is diagnosed with a heart condition, there are many precautionary steps that can be taken to prevent the likely outcome of SCA, including lifestyle modifications, medication, surgical treatments, and implanting a pacemaker and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).