PREVENTING SUDDEN DEATH IS GOAL OF NEW HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE CARDIAC SCREENING CENTER
Delray Beach, Florida—(March 26, 2012)—The High School Athlete Cardiac Screening Center of South Florida recently opened its doors to prevent sudden death in young athletes by diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition.
An affiliate of Boca Delray Cardiology Center, located in Delray Beach, the High School Athlete Cardiac Screening Center of South Florida is the brainchild of Dr. Bruce Martin, cardiologist, and the only one of its kind in the area.
“Twenty-one years ago Loyola Marymount University basketball star Hank Gathers became an unintentional poster child for HCM after he collapsed and died during a game. Just last year, Michigan high school basketball player Wes Leonard, 16, collapsed and died minutes after shooting a game-winning point. I didn’t want that to happen to any child in South Florida,” said Martin.
HCM, the leading cause of sudden death among athletes, is a common congenital heart disorder that affects almost 1 in 500 people, or 600,000 nationwide, and causes several varieties of heart problems—not the least of which is sudden death. While warning signs can include shortness of breath, passing out, fatigue and others, most teen athletes have no warning, and their very first symptom is often sudden death.
David Silver, 18, a diver and senior at Boca Raton Community High School, was among the first athletes screened by the center.
“Getting my heart tested for various genetic and congenital heart problems was an extremely good decision. I am blessed to say that I do not suffer from any heart problems, however I am very glad that I had the opportunity to get screened . . . It is heartbreaking to hear about young athletes dropping dead on the field as a result to unknown heart problems that could easily be found and diagnosed in a 15 minute, needle-free and pain-free heart examination,” said Silver.
The screening consists of an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) combined with an EKG and blood pressure reading. Martin’s partner, Dr. Brad Artel, said screening is recommended for any young athlete whether they participate in sports, or are a member of a cheerleading squad or marching band.
“Children who are involved in competitive sports or exertional activities are at most risk, but every child could potentially benefit from the screening,” said Artel.
For more information, please contact Dr. Bruce Martin at his office at (561) 499-9990 or visit cardiacscreeningcenter.com.
About Boca Delray Cardiology Center
Dr. Bruce Martin is founder of Boca Delray Cardiology Center, 5130 Linton Boulevard, Suite A2, Delray Beach, Florida 33484, (561) 499-9990. Boca Delray Cardiology Center is a state-of-the-art medical/cardiology practice that has been caring for patients in the Boca Raton/Delray Beach area for over 20 years. The office is a 3,200 square foot facility offering advanced testing modalities that allow the physicians to diagnose and treat all aspects of heart disease. Visit their website at cardiologydocs.com.