Heart Screenings for All Sixth-Graders?

When doctors in Houston launched a pilot program to screen middle school students for heart problems, they expected undiagnosed conditions would be rare, but what they found, CBS News correspondent Don Teague reported, was shocking.

Of about 100 sixth graders who underwent a series of tests by doctors from the University of Texas Houston, seven were discovered to have heart conditions that had been missed in regular checkups. Two of the children needed surgery.

6th Grader Heart Exams Shock Researchers

Dr. John Higgins, of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, told CBS News, "Potentially, screening that group of a hundred children, we have saved two lives."

Higgins hopes the study, which includes a series of four tests on each child, including electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiograms, will eventually lead to routine heart exams for all sixth graders in America.

The goal, according to Higgins, is to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in student athletes.

An estimated 6,000 to 8,000 children die of sudden cardiac arrest each year, according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said on "The Early Show" the study does have its limitations because of the small group screened.

She added more than 35,000 babies are born each year with congenital heart defects. If not diagnosed as a baby, detecting heart problems may be difficult. Currently, Ashton said, standardized screening for cardiac problems for children does not exist.

Ashton said, "Parents should talk to their children's pediatrician, find out about whether just a physical exam and history is enough, or whether they need to go on to an EKG or sonogram."

[debinok1]

This study is all well and good, but where is the $100,000 question of WHY? Why are our children suffering from things like this and all of the other nasty diseases that are spreading like wildfire? In the last 50 years the instances of diseases in children has skyrocketed, all of the studies being done to find the diseases and find cures are fine, but how about finding the CAUSE? Oh, thats right, stopping them from happening in the first place doesn't benefit the Medical Industry or Big Pharma.

[bankersvox]

Prior to any team sports, such as football or basket ball , there should be a full medical examination, and not just one done by local team doctor. Echocardiography, blood glucose levels looking for diabetes. A few years, a team olympic volley ball and another college died

[parisdakar]

Where does it end? Is there no limit to our consumption of health care services? Sure, it's beneficial, but we are bankrupting ourselves.

[akpals]

Well, either don't get tests done and die young, or get the tests done and live long and healthy years, but either way, you won't take your money or your debt with you when you go! It's up to you.

[SkirtsLifter]

Screen 'em young. Find defects and document. Later, when they are adults, we don't have to pay for their care. Pre-existing conditions.

""Is there no limit to our consumption of health care services?"" Not when PORK is involved. I'm sure this study was done with "grant" money ... free research dollars from the proverbial money tree ... pennies from heaven.

[nehicks]

For whatever reason, my elementary school did heart screenings when I was in 6th grade. This was in 1967. I had been thru yearly physicals before then and the heart murmur that was discovered during that screening had been missed. The result of that screening has been that I was checked each year watching the progression of the heart murmur and finally, in 2006, I endured heart surgery to repair 2 holes in my heart. Who knows what would have happened otherwise. I am willing to expend tax money for this instead of wasting my tax money on providing services for those who choose to enter this country illegally.

[justsane-2009]

ms. oatis, you have my sympathy for the loss of your son. that being said, there are only so many dollars available for government-funded health care. universal health care would save far more lives just by providing basic preventative care, than this highly specialized test for one condition ever could.

[sonofsummarex]

Yup
resources are finite. But this country has enough money to maintain Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan and about ten other countries throughout the world. It should have enough money for this! Don't you think.

[sonofsummarex]

And another thing. The people of this country have billions to spend each year on animal rights causes - Fully staffed shelters, rescue operations, megabuck ad campaigns, even complex medical procedures. That money should also be spent on basic human needs first. Anyone who throws money at things like that while there are children in need of voital medical care, decent living conditions or quality schooling is a degenerate and should be told so again and again.

[sdemaggie]

What a joke. Now the gods of health-a couple of southern doctors-want us to waste billions on testing 6th graders for heart conditions based on the test results of 100 sixth graders. This is pseudo science.

[sonofsummarex]

All children should be tested for these things. If you think that's too much to do, go live in Rwanda.

[nowhiningallowed]

Why is any agency interjecting itself into a matter that should be part of responsible parenting? If parents are that concerned then they should tend to their own kids individually and not make those who haven't any kids get stuck paying for any medical related through their taxes.

[akpals]

Wouldn't that be just great,I agree with you! but stop and think of how many agencies we could stop funding if we could rely on parents to be responsible! Too bad there are so many lazy irresponsible in this country!

[newyorkmom]

we cant even find a way to pay for routine medications for seniors..where is the money going to come from for over $1000 Echocardiograms to be done on every child?

[unityabove]

Kids come first. I'm sure the safety of your children is well worth the money, if not then just wait for the day you see your own children pass away before you do

[rightbehind]

Talk about preexisting conditions. Health care insurance is going to love that one!

[frannyo]

I was thrilled to hear the report that some six graders were being screened for heart problems. My hope is that all children are screened. I lost my oldest son at the age of 24 to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy this was something my husband and I had never heard of. He played sports from the age of 5 and after many physicals,as a parent my thoughts were how could I have missed this. Since my son's death his wife took there three children to have an echo cardiogram and his 4 year old shows signs of the disease. My 15 year old nephew also shows signs of the disease. Too many children are dying when a simple test can save there lives. My child lived to be 24 but he left a wife and three children. Since his death on 12/10/07 two more kids died suddenly one 16 year old girl died while playing basketball,confirmed reason for her death was Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The second teen died while playing foot ball. This disease is truly a silent killer. We must do what's necessary to save the lives of our children. Dottors please continue your research you may have saved only two lives but every life is worth saving.
it
Francesca Oatis
Donaldsonville Louisiana