Screening for Cardiovascular Disease in the Young

Abstract

America's youth have been screened for cardiovascular disorders for nearly a century. Initial efforts to detect rheumatic heart disease in schoolchildren have gradually shifted to the detection of congenital heart disease in the fetus and newborn, and to the prevention of sudden cardiac death in older children, especially athletes. Proposed screening programs need to consider sensitivity and specificity, cost, resource availability, and the potential for adverse effects of the screening process.

Because scientists are unable to explain the unexplained, screening for cardiovascular abnormalities is a good method to protect against sudden unexpected death in patients with epilepsy

“…According to Professor Gutgesell, sudden and unexpected deaths in young athletes and celebrities elicit intense media coverage, often accompanied by the questions, “Why did he die?” and “Why could not this have been prevented?” (1). Interestingly, these two important questions are also asked by the relatives of patients with epilepsy who die suddenly.…”

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“…and ''Why could not this have been prevented?'' (1). Interestingly, these two important questions are also asked by the relatives of patients with epilepsy who die suddenly.…”