A cardiac ultrasound screen is included in the Sportlink physical at no additional cost.
The cardiac ultrasound screen adds value to the exam by screening for the following conditions:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - the most common cause of sudden death in U.S. athletes
Dilated aortic root - a feature of Marfan's Syndrome, another cause of sudden death
This is a unique use of the ultrasound as a visual stethoscope and it is not a full echocardiogram or a limited echocardiogram as traditionally performed. It is important to realize that normal measurements are no guarantee of preventing sudden cardiac death. Most of the causes of sudden death are undetectable, and even the conditions screened for can have normal measurements and still be present. Unfortunately, the history and physical alone has limited value in identifying students at risk, though that remains the standard of care.
The cardiac ultrasound station gives the physician additional data to determine clearance. It adds to the data gathered from the other stations to form a more complete sports exam. Just like a flexibility measurement gives information that is useful in detecting tight hamstrings, and an elevated blood pressure reading may point to hypertension or excessive caffeine intake, the measurement of the intraventricular septum thickness and the aortic root width may give a clue as to the student at risk for sudden death. Sportlink physicians have used the ultrasound in this way for over 6 years on 15,000 athletes.
* American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee: Cardiovascular Preparticipation Screening of Competitive Athletes.
American Heart Association Medical/Scientific Statements. June 20,1996.
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If you would like Sportlink to have an event in your area, please
email your request. A Sportlink representative will contact you within 24 business hours.
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This is a great service. It's given me the peace of mind I've always wanted in regards to my son's health,
and having the exam at the school made it so easy.
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Judy Yonker - Parent
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