Although it is rare, at least two Central Texas teens died suddenly after strenuous activities, one at band practice and the other playing soccer. Both suffered from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy , (HCM). HCM is a serious heart condition that is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. HCM rarely has identifiable symptoms. Prevalence is estimated to be about 1 in 500 people.

Active Central Texas high school students ages 15-18 who participate in athletics, band, cheer leading or any other active pursuit can be screened for (HCM) using a limited non-invasive cardiac imaging technique called ECHO (echocardiogram).

"HCM is a genetic condition that leads to abnormal thickening of the heart walls. Many times, it does not give any symptoms and may not produce any findings on a physical exam or an electrocardiogram (EKG). Often the first presentation is sudden death," says pediatric cardiologist Silvana M. Lawrence, MD, PhD, of Children's Cardiology Associates, Pediatrix Medical Group.

"However, HCM usually can be detected by imaging the left ventricle of the heart. Anyone with suspicious results will be referred to a pediatric cardiologist for further evaluation."

Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas and CHAMPIONSHIP HEARTS Foundation are sponsoring four screenings in Central Texas this year. In collaboration with the University of Texas Southwest Medical School in Dallas and Baylor University Medical School in Houston, a pilot screening program is being funded by a grant from the state of Texas to conduct screening events in schools around Texas.

"We will be performing over 60 events in Texas, screening more than 8,000 students," adds Dr. Lawrence. "Our objective is to screen high school students when they are going through puberty, since HCM often manifests during a growth spurt. The benefit to the patient of identifying the condition early is that specific evaluation and treatment can begin," adds Dr. Lawrence.

Who Should Be Screened

Dr. Lawrence recommends that any active student who competes in athletics or participates in an extracurricular activity that includes training and a physical workout (such as band) be screened. "Sometimes this condition runs in families, but sometimes it is a novel genetic mutation," she adds. "If we identify a student with the condition, we can also evaluate other family members."

Although there can be symptoms of HCM, the primary way it is manifested is through sudden death. Other symptoms that should be followed up are:

• Chest pain/pressure during or after activity.
• Shortness of breath and fatigue with exertion.
• Fainting or passing out during exercise.
• Heart arrhythmia.

Sudden death risk factors include:

• Family history of sudden cardiac death.
• Young patient with several fainting episodes.
• Abnormal blood pressure with exercise.
• History of arrhythmia with fast heart rate.
• Poor heart function.

Dr. Lawrence encourages as many active students as possible to participate in one of the several Central Texas screenings. "Although the screening is free, we accept donations for the Foundation and Dell Children's to continue providing these screens."

Silvana M. Lawrence, MD, PhD Pediatric Cardiology Children's Cardiology Associates, Pediatrix Medical Group 4314 Medical Pkwy Ste 200 Austin, TX 78756 Phone: (512) 454-1110

Dr. Lawrence completed her medical school and pediatric residency in Brazil. She completed a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at the Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, and in addition, received a PhD in Pathology and Cardiovascular Sciences from the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Lawrence served as Professor of Pediatrics at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, and also as the Chief of the Pediatric Cardiology Division and Cardiac Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa, Porto Alegre, Brazil for seven years.