MIAA To Conduct Workshop On Sudden Cardiac Arrest In Adolescents
Medical News Today
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) will focus its next wellness workshop on Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how to reduce its risk among young athletes and adolescents. The keynote speaker will be Jonathan Drezner, MD, a noted sports medicine physician and researcher, who will outline a plan for reducing SCA's risk to these youth, aged six to 18.
It is estimated that SCA claims the lives of over 425 youngsters each month in the United States, but most often the first sign of a problem is sudden and unexpected death. Dr. Drezner will address the need for preventive planning, the limitations of traditional heart screening practices and the potential value of electrocardiogram (ECG) screening. He will also describe ways for school athletic departments to prepare an emergency action plan and checklist for dealing with SCA. Dr. Drezner serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for HeartScreen America, an Andover, MA based heart screening company using ECG technology. The MIAA and HeartScreen America are collaborating on a public education program, alerting athletic directors, coaches, parents and young adults to the risks of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.