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Sparkling Angel Charities - The Kelly Weaver Fund
promoting healthy hearts in young people Sparkling Angel Charities LQTSThe Kelly Weaver Memorial Fund

What do I have to do for my child to participate in the EKG screening?
Your child must bring the following competed and signed forms to the screening:
1) Health History Form
2) Consent / Release of Liability Form
To download a copy of these forms click on the appropriate school name in the Related Information box on the right side of this page.

When and where are the screenings held?
Click here to see the screening schedule for the current year.

What is the EKG screening process ?
Click here to see a short video of the high school EKG screening program. (3.5 MB)

What is an EKG (or ECG)?
ECG and EKG are abbreviations for electrocardiogram, which is a graphic tracing of the electrical activity of one's heart. It is a simple, fast and noninvasive way to record the heart's electrical activity (heartbeat). You will NOT be shocked.

What is an EKG screening?
An EKG screening of the heart is much the same as a vision or hearing screening. It is not intended to be a diagnostic session, but to raise a red flag to identify overt potential problems. .

Why are you offering free EKG’s to local high school students?
To increase awareness of Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and to detect if any student may have LQTS.

What is Long QT Syndrome?
LQTS is a disturbance of the heart's electrical system causing an abnormality of the heartbeat, or rhythm, of the heart. Affected people are vulnerable to sudden fainting (syncope) and even death. Many times the cause of syncope is overlooked and the events are called simple fainting spells or seizures. Most often these events occur during physical exertion or emotional stress. In some, they occur during sleep. Most of these deaths are preventable if the condition is recognized and treated.

How is LQTS detected?
By analyzing an EKG that is read by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist - not by a automated computer print out. Further testing may be necessary to accurately diagnose LQTS.

Who will be doing the EKGs?
Volunteers of Sparkling Angel Charities who have been trained and certified to perform ECGs.

Is my child required to participate?
No

What should my child wear?
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Girls: Please do not wear dresses, pantyhose, sports bras or body lotion. Do wear a two-piece style bathing suit top or bra without under wires under your blouse.

Will privacy be provided?
Yes. Boys and girls will be screened in separate areas and only females will screen girls.

Could my child have a heart condition that is not detected by this screening?
It's possible. A normal EKG indicates - at this time - a low risk factor for sudden cardiac death, but it is not infallible. Please consult your family physician if you feel your child might have a problem.

What if the EKG is abnormal?
A letter and copy of your child's EKG will be sent directly to your home address so that you may seek medical advice from your own physician. Your child's school will not be notified. It is your responsibility to follow-up with a board certified physician.

So, if I don't receive a follow up letter, can I assume the EKG was normal?
If you do not hear from Sparkling Angel regarding the outcome of the EKG it means that our physicians did not observe any overt abnormality. If our physicians detect an overt abnormality you will be notified in writing with the recommendation to see your physician or cardiologist/electrophysiologist for follow-up evaluation.

How do I volunteer to to help perform EKG screenings?
Please contact us via e-mail or phone.

Health history and consent forms for:

Screening schedule

High School Screening Video
(3.5 MB)

NBC News Video (8.5 MB)

 

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