The Frank J Reali III Family Foundation in collaboration with Staten Island University Hospital has established a pre-participation cardiac screening program for high school athletes in Staten Island.

 

Although physical examination including cardiac auscultation is already required of students participating in team sports under the auspices of the NYC Public School Athletic League, this approach could miss cardiac abnormalities that can predispose to Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).

 Through the performance of ECG’s and screening echocardiograms, we will be able to detect rhythm disturbances of the heart as well as abnormalities of size, thickness and function of the left ventricle, aortic valve and aorta.

The presence of these conditions could result in catastrophic clinical deterioration in the face of severe exertion associated with competitive sports.

Participation in the program will be entirely optional and will be at no cost to those who elect to participate. Studies show that over 400,000 young adults and children die each year from Sudden Cardiac Death.