It’s called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). And it’s deadly. It’s the No. 2 cause of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in young people living in the United States. And yet, it can be prevented through early detection, education and increased public awareness.
Holly Morrell, founder of the nonprofit Heartfelt Cardiac Project, has dedicated her life to helping others avoid the tragedy that struck her own family. Six of her family members, including her father, died of the condition that involves a thickening and weakening of the heart muscle. And countless others fall victim to a condition they never knew they had. Morrell is committed to changing that.
Through the support of sponsors, athletes can now be screened for HCM at a fraction of the cost to get the test through private sources. An electrocardiogram, which tests the electrical functioning of the heart, coupled with an echocardiogram that measures the shape of the heart, comprise the noninvasive screening process. The test would normally cost about $1,500 and is not typically covered by insurance. But through sponsored screenings, athletes can be screened for HCM for just $85.
The next screening will be held at JSerra Catholic High School on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to noon. The screenings will be held in Pavilion, Court 2.
For more information and to register, visit http://heartfeltcardiacprojects.org