The Importance of Youth Heart Screenings

Heart health isn’t just for adults. Kids and teens can have hidden heart problems that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest as well.

This is a serious condition where the heart suddenly stops beating, and it can happen without warning. That’s why heart screenings for young people are so important, they really can help find these problems early and save lives.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s rhythm suddenly stops working properly. In young people, this is often caused by heart conditions they may not even know they have. Some examples include heart muscle problems, irregular heartbeats, or heart defects they were born with. These problems don’t always cause symptoms, so many kids and teens look completely healthy. Regular physicals and family history checks dont always catch these hidden risks, which is why special tests like heart screenings are necessary.

How Heart Screenings Help

Heart screenings are simple and painless. They often use a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the heart’s electrical activity. This test can show if the heart has an irregular rhythm or other problems. Sometimes, doctors will also recommend an ultrasound of the heart to check for structural issues. These screenings are especially important for kids and teens who play sports as exercise puts extra stress on the heart, and if there’s an undetected problem it could lead to serious consequences. Catching these issues early can mean treatments or lifestyle changes will keep young people safe.

Making Screenings Accessible

Community programs like Who We Play For work hard to make heart screenings available to everyone. They organize events where families can get their children checked quickly and affordably. One of these events is coming up on February 1 at the Bill Posey Conference Center in Viera. Many parents might think, “My child seems healthy—why would they need this test?” But many heart problems don’t show obvious signs. Heart screenings offer peace of mind and could prevent a tragedy.

What to Expect at a Screening

A heart screening is quick and easy. It usually starts with a short questionnaire about your child’s health and your family’s heart history. Then, the ECG is done by placing small electrodes that are like stickers on the chest, arms, and legs. These stickers are connected to a machine that records the heart’s activity. The whole process takes only a few minutes and doesn’t hurt- if the test finds anything unusual then doctors might suggest more tests or recommend seeing a heart specialist.

Promoting Heart Health for Life

Heart screenings aren’t just about finding problems, they’re also a chance to talk about good habits that protect the heart. For example, staying active, eating a balanced diet and avoiding harmful behaviors like smoking are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Because of this, products like nicotine pouches are some alternatives for adults who are looking to quit smoking. Cigarettes release toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and tar when they’re burned which can damage the heart and blood vessels. Nicotine pouches avoid these harmful byproducts since they don’t involve combustion or inhalation of smoke. While they aren’t for children or teens, the fact that these kinds of product have risen in popularity shows that there’s an ongoing conversation about safer choices and healthier living. As parents, we all want to do what’s best for our kids and heart screenings are a simple way to protect their health and give them a better chance at a bright future.

If you’re in Brevard County, don’t miss the Who We Play For Youth Heart Screening Day. This event is a great opportunity to make sure your child’s heart is healthy. A few minutes of your time could make a big difference in their life.

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