School is back in session, and that means so are fall sports! With the high level of activity that your children are about to take on, it is important that you are aware of potential heart problems that can occur in youth that are involved in these types of activities. At AMS Cardiology, we want to help educate both parents and youth about the potential heart issues that your children could be susceptible to.
The most common condition in young athletes is known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This condition is commonly referred to as HCM, and it is defined as a dangerous enlargement of the heart muscle. This genetic condition is often underdiagnosed, and about one in 500 people have it. The condition makes it challenging for the heart to pump blood throughout the body because the muscle fibers in the heart stiffen and thicken. To appropriately treat your children if they have this condition, it is important to know the signs to be on the lookout for. Common symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- History of Fainting
- Difficulty Breathing
- Chest Pain
- Heart Murmur
It is important to consult your doctor if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms as HCM is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma.
Other than knowing what symptoms to look out for you, you can help protect your children from HCM by:
- Looking into your Family History
- Requesting an EKG
- Fill Out the Sports Physical Honestly and Carefully
- Taking Symptoms Seriously
At AMS Cardiology, we know that your child’s well-being is the most important thing to you. That is why we are trying to help better educate parents about the potential dangers of heart problems in today’s youth. Knowing what to look out for and how to protect your children from heart conditions will help ease your mind when your children are getting ready to take the field.
