Linda
Kevin Thomas, MD: The details of the death of your husband’s father are very important. If in fact he had SCA as a result of a myocardial infarction or heart attack that is very different than if he had SCA without evidence of heart blockages or a heart attack. In any event it is important that your husband have routine annual physical exams that tests him for diabetes, checks his cholesterol, and maintains a healthy lifestyle with exercise and good eating habits. In regards to your children, their risk is largely predicated on your husband’s and your genes. If your husband died suddenly that would place them at a greater risk, The issue of screening children who participate in competitive sports for cardiac abnormalities remains controversial. Overall the risk of SCA is extremely low (chance of occurrence is 1 out of 100,000).
The American Heart Association recommends a more cardiac-specific exam involving an EKG, echocardiogram or stress test for patients (even student athletes) who meet one of these criteria:
Personal history of syncope (fainting) or near syncope, excessive shortness of breath or fatigue, chest pain, hypertension, family history of unexplained or premature sudden cardiac death, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy, Marfan’s,Syndrome or Long QT Syndrome, an exam that detects a notable pathologic murmur, brachial-femoral delay, Marfan’s stigmata, or hypertension.
I also think it is important to have an Automated external defibrillator at all games.
Date: 11 Aug 2008
Given in this interview: The Disparity of Care in SCA
