HEALTH

GETTING TO THE Heart of the Matter

Young Hearts for Life educates communities on the importance of early cardiac screening

BY CINDY MAQUET PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUNG HEARTS FOR LIFE

In 2005, Dr. Joseph Marek, a clinical cardiologist with Advocate Heart Institute, was approached by a mother from Naperville who had recently lost her teenage son due to Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). He had no sign of health concerns and no family history of heart problems. His first symptom was death. It was important for her to find out what could have prevented this tragedy. Dr. Marek had no answers. But coincidentally, the same week, he read two articles from theWall Street Journal and The New York Times that discussed standard Electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings in Europe. An ECG takes less than four minutes, and this quick, simple, and painless screening could reduce SCD by 85%. Dr. Marek felt called to action. These screenings were saving lives - young lives. Dr. Marek determined the best way to have the most significant impact on saving these young lives was to go where most teenagers are found at one time - school. Instead of asking teens to come to a heart screening, why not bring his team to them?

YH4L PROGRAM DIRECTOR DENISE ARNEZ AND EMMA SARIN, A COLLEGE STUDENT STUDYING NURSING WHOSE CARDIAC CONDITION WAS DETECTED THROUGH A YH4L SCREENING WHEN SHE WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL.

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son-White syndrome (WPW) after a YH4L Screening at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. WPW is a syndrome in which an extra electrical pathway in the heart causes a rapid heartbeat. Sarin, a resident of Westmont, was a junior in high school. “Emma was the picture of health. She was very athletic and fit. She also ran track and played club volleyball,” said her mother, Deb Sarin. “Volunteering makes a difference. Someone who volunteered saved my daughter’s life.” Luckily, Y4HL identified Sarin’s condition before it became fatal. According to the Y4HL, SCD claims the lives of more than 60 young adults in the United States every week. The non-profit organization’s goal is to detect pre-existing conditions that cause SCD. To date, Y4HL has identified 3,100 students “at risk.” Many

Dr. Marek is the Founder and Medi- of these at-risk teens had life-threatcal Director of Young Hearts for Life ening heart conditions after following (YH4L). According to Dr. Marek, up with cardiac doctors. “ECG screenings of all physically active young persons - Beyond offering free regardless of gender or screenings, one of YH4L’s sports affiliation - are clinically justified, cost-effective, “ECG screenings of all physically other core goals is to educate the community on and ethically compelling.” Since its inception in 2006, this organization has active young persons - regardless of gender or sports affiliation - are why early cardiac screenings are essential. “Education is key,” says Denise screened over 280,000 high school students. clinically justified, cost-effective, Arnez, YH4L Program Director. “A sports physiYH4L’s mission is to offer and ethically compelling.” cal is critical. However, it only identifies 4% of heart ECGs – for free - to all teen- – DR. MAREK conditions, while ECG age students. Today, it has the screenings can detect most extensive ECG screen- approximately 70%.” ing program for high school students in the United States. How does YH4L In addition, YH4L has also estabscreen 2,400 students during a single lished a bereavement support group, school day? Volunteers. Gold Heart Families, connecting families who have lost a child to SCD YH4L has developed a training program with others who have faced the same allowing this multitude of heart screen- loss. Many of these families started ings to be possible. It takes 90 minutes to their organizations in honor of their teach volunteers how to conduct the loved ones afflicted with SCD and ECG screenings. In the past 15 years, continue to work with YH4L as YH4L has trained over 18,000 parents, donors and volunteers. teachers, coaches, and community members to assist with various aspects Although YH4L has become a leader of the screening process. Those looking in the local medical community in to help with screenings do not need a addressing the need to prevent SCD medical background to help. in young adults, it has also assisted organizations across the United The screenings have saved countless States in setting up their screening lives. One life hit close to home. Emma programs. But one question remains. Sarin was diagnosed with Wolff-ParkinFree screenings are readily available to every student, but why aren’t all students taking advantage of the opportunity? Imagine not having a loved one participate in a free cardiac screening only to find out about an undetected cardiac issue too late. To view upcoming screenings, as well as to volunteer or donate to the organization, visit http://www.yh4l.org. ■

DR. MOHAMED ZIAD SINNO, DR. JOSEPH MAREK, AND DR. FRANK ZIMMERMAN READ AND CONSULT ON THE ECG’S DURING A YH4L SCREENING. About the writer: Cindy Maquet is a cardiac survivor. At 18 years old, an EKG detected an atrial septal defect. She has had open-heart surgery and four heart ablations. A former collegiate athlete, she continues to live an active lifestyle playing paddleball multiple times per week and teaching various exercise classes.