MSD Nurses share information about heart screenings for kids
Chances are, your child’s heart is healthy. But, a small percentage of young people have hidden heart defects that put their lives at risk – especially during physical exertion.
Since 2012, Playsmart has provided over 40,000 free heart screenings by checking a simple, painless cardiac test – an electrocardiogram. Using these screenings, doctors have diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and many other conditions. These conditions can be treated or monitored once diagnosed but, if left untreated, can become a medical emergency.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical signal from the heart. Electrodes are placed on the chest to record the heart’s electrical signals, which cause the heart to beat. The signals are shown as waves on an attached computer monitor or printer. The ECG test, including placement of the electrodes (small painless stickers) from start-to-finish takes just a minute or two. The entire appointment is only 15 minutes long.
Screenings are offered at two different locations. Basecamp at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and at Providence Portland Medical Center. Appointments are required.
Upcoming dates and times are:
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Portland St. Vincent Medical Center
- Saturday, May 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
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Providence Portland Medical Center
- Saturday, Mar. 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Apr. 19, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Click to book an appointment for one of these dates.
MSD nurses hope to bring Playsmart to MHS and host a clinic to screen any student (age 12-18) who would like one. In the meantime please utilize the basecamp and the Playsmart screening to make sure your child’s heart is healthy.
Play Smart is powered by Basecamp Prevention + Wellness, part of Providence Heart Institute. These free youth heart screenings are made possible by generous donations through the Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation.