HEART SCREENINGS
![](https://survivingsca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/HEART-SCREAMMINGS.jpg)
An ECG, which stands for an electrocardiogram, is a non-invasive machine that detects the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With this machine, doctors can observe abnormalities in the electrical transmissions in the heart, ultimately being the most preventive form to recognize heart issues before they convert into an SCA or SCD (Sudden Cardiac Death). Unfortunately, heart screenings are not a part of regular well-child checkups or pre-participation sports physicals, despite the fact that studies show the standard non-cardio-focused approach to youth checkups misses 90% of youth at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. The stethoscope, which is the only cardiac procedure performed during check-ups and physicals, was invented 200 years ago: the fact is that heart conditions that may trigger SCA can only be seen, not heard. However, studies have found that at least 70% of those individuals at risk because of preexisting conditions, and up to 90% for certain conditions, can be identified or suspected through an ECG.
1 in 300 youth have a heart condition that predisposes them to an SCA, but due to screening not being a common practice, the first sign of a heart condition could be death.