Sports Physical EKG's

Sports Physical EKG's

Cardiology Pearls

Fall 2005 Volume 1, Issue 1

It is that time of year again when many of your patients will be coming to you for sports physicals. Sports participation is important to our community. We believe that the pre-participation exam is a worthwhile screening tool for underlying health problems. In conjunction with our sports EKG program we are sending you our Cardiology Pearls from Scott and Tom. We hope that these will benefit you as you care for the children in our community.

From a cardiac standpoint most student athletes will do just fine. However, our hot Florida climate leads to the manifestation of many symptoms: fainting, dizziness and palpitations. It is important to emphasize to your patients that proper hydration is important as well as watching for symptoms of dehydration.

When evaluating a patient for a sport's physical it is important to keep in mind the diagnoses that lead to Sudden Cardiac Death. The majority of incidents which result in Sudden Cardiac Death in athletes younger than thirty years are due to congenital cardiac anomalies.

According to the American College of Cardiology the most common causes of sudden death in these young athletes are 1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, 2. Long QT Syndrome, and3.WPW Syndrome with a fast bypass track. Less common causes are Coronary Artery abnormalities and Brugada Syndrome (a cousin to Long QT). There are a number of congenital heart defects which can go undetected early in life that may also cause sudden cardiac death. These include Aortic Stenosis, Coarctation of the Aorta and Marfan Syndrome. Unfortunately, even patients with normal hearts can experience sudden cardiac death. Commotio Cordis is the result of blunt non-penetrating, innocent appearing blow to the chest that produces ventricular fibrillation. This is not associated with a structural injury to the ribs, sternum or heart. Commotio Cordis is most common in children and adolescents. The sudden death incident may be caused by projectiles such as baseballs and hockey pucks that strike the precordium with moderate force. It can also be caused by physical contact by a karate blow and collision between athletes. The sudden death incident may be caused by abuse of cocaine, steroids, certain dietary supplements and sickle cell traits.

Most importantly the cardiac screening of an athlete is the cardiac history. History of the athlete should include: chest pain on exertion, heart murmur, syncope, palpitations or excessive dyspnea. A family history of members who have died suddenly or have a history of syncope, especially with exercise, should raise a big flag. The physical exam should include heart rate, blood pressure and femoral pulses. Special attention should be paid to murmurs, as the murmur of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can be very subtle. An EKG is the only way to detect Long QT and WPW. This is one of the reasons why we are offering the sports physical EKG. Obesity is not a contraindication for participation in sports. The athlete needs to understand his or her own limitations.

According to the recent article from the June issue of the Wall Street Journal, an estimated 150 to 300 athletes 18 years or younger will die suddenly this year in the United States. This fact alone prompted Dr. Thomas Carson to assist in establishing the AED program in Orange County High School Systems. The funding for this program is courtesy of the Homeland Security Act.

We hope that this has been helpful to you. Don't forget that we are offering Sports EKGs for ten dollars. Just call our office and ask for the Sports EKG when scheduling. We plan to publish Cardiology Pearls from Scott and Tom throughout the year. If there is a topic in which you are interested in and would like us to write about it, then let us know. Please call us if you have any questions. We hope you and all your patients have a safe and fun athletic year.

This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only.

If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

	Carson & Appleton, M.D. \| home Sports Physical EKG's \| Cardiac Issues with ADHD \| Philips Ei33 echocardiogram system \| AMA prophylaxis changes \| Echocardiography accreditation \| EKG recommended for ADHD drugs \| Continuing Education: \| Pictures 2010 \| Pictures 2009 \| Pictures 2007 & 2008 \| Pictures 2005 & 2006 \| Picture 2005 & 2006 Specializing in Fetal, Pediatric & Adult Congenital Cardiology
	Sports Physical EKG's Cardiology Pearls Fall 2005 Volume 1, Issue 1 It is that time of year again when many of your patients will be coming to you for sports physicals. Sports participation is important to our community. We believe that the pre-participation exam is a worthwhile screening tool for underlying health problems. In conjunction with our sports EKG program we are sending you our Cardiology Pearls from Scott and Tom. We hope that these will benefit you as you care for the children in our community. From a cardiac standpoint most student athletes will do just fine. However, our hot Florida climate leads to the manifestation of many symptoms: fainting, dizziness and palpitations. It is important to emphasize to your patients that proper hydration is important as well as watching for symptoms of dehydration. When evaluating a patient for a sport's physical it is important to keep in mind the diagnoses that lead to Sudden Cardiac Death. The majority of incidents which result in Sudden Cardiac Death in athletes younger than thirty years are due to congenital cardiac anomalies. According to the American College of Cardiology the most common causes of sudden death in these young athletes are 1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, 2. Long QT Syndrome, and3.WPW Syndrome with a fast bypass track. Less common causes are Coronary Artery abnormalities and Brugada Syndrome (a cousin to Long QT). There are a number of congenital heart defects which can go undetected early in life that may also cause sudden cardiac death. These include Aortic Stenosis, Coarctation of the Aorta and Marfan Syndrome. Unfortunately, even patients with normal hearts can experience sudden cardiac death. Commotio Cordis is the result of blunt non-penetrating, innocent appearing blow to the chest that produces ventricular fibrillation. This is not associated with a structural injury to the ribs, sternum or heart. Commotio Cordis is most common in children and adolescents. The sudden death incident may be caused by projectiles such as baseballs and hockey pucks that strike the precordium with moderate force. It can also be caused by physical contact by a karate blow and collision between athletes. The sudden death incident may be caused by abuse of cocaine, steroids, certain dietary supplements and sickle cell traits. Most importantly the cardiac screening of an athlete is the cardiac history. History of the athlete should include: chest pain on exertion, heart murmur, syncope, palpitations or excessive dyspnea. A family history of members who have died suddenly or have a history of syncope, especially with exercise, should raise a big flag. The physical exam should include heart rate, blood pressure and femoral pulses. Special attention should be paid to murmurs, as the murmur of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can be very subtle. An EKG is the only way to detect Long QT and WPW. This is one of the reasons why we are offering the sports physical EKG. Obesity is not a contraindication for participation in sports. The athlete needs to understand his or her own limitations. According to the recent article from the June issue of the Wall Street Journal, an estimated 150 to 300 athletes 18 years or younger will die suddenly this year in the United States. This fact alone prompted Dr. Thomas Carson to assist in establishing the AED program in Orange County High School Systems. The funding for this program is courtesy of the Homeland Security Act. We hope that this has been helpful to you. Don't forget that we are offering Sports EKGs for ten dollars. Just call our office and ask for the Sports EKG when scheduling. We plan to publish Cardiology Pearls from Scott and Tom throughout the year. If there is a topic in which you are interested in and would like us to write about it, then let us know. Please call us if you have any questions. We hope you and all your patients have a safe and fun athletic year. © 2005 Carson & Appleton, M.D. All rights reserved. This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.