Playing It Safe May 13, 2009

Each year, many children and adolescents die suddenly from cardiac problems. When sudden cardiac death occurs in a young person, it is often associated with physical activity or sports. Most sudden deaths in children and adolescents are caused by underlying congenital cardiac abnormalities. In Houston, several young athletes have died of undetected heart conditions in the past few years.

Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center and the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute are offering low-cost early heart screenings for adolescents and young adults ages 12 and up.

Heart screening includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a limited echocardiogram. An EKG tests the electrical activity of the heart and an echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that shows the structure and function of various parts of the heart.

Test results will be reviewed and discussed with you on-site by a board-certified specialist in adult and/or adolescent cardiology, with advanced training in echocardiography. No physician referral is required to schedule this screening.

The cost is $150 (an approximate savings of $700).

Payment may be made by cash, check or credit card. No insurance will be accepted.

Heart screenings are available 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

May 13

June 10

July 8

August 12

Location:

Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center

6411 Fannin

3rd Floor

Houston, TX 77030

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/moms/6365385.html

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 713.222.CARE.