St. Margaret’s to Host Cardiac Screening Event This Month

How well do you know your heart?

St. Margaret’s, in partnership with Heartfelt, is inviting the Tartan community to undergo cardiac screenings that can potentially alert you to risks associated with serious cardiac issues—issues that are sometimes detected in active, seemingly healthy people, including student-athletes.

The cardiac screening event will take place Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Campaigne Center, and is open to St. Margaret’s students (age 5 and older), parents, alumni, faculty, staff and the local community. You can reserve an appointment on the Heartfelt website.

Heartfelt conducts a comprehensive cardiac screening, which includes both an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) and an echocardiogram (ECHO). Both the EKG/ECG and the ECHO are quick, simple and painless. The ECHO is like an ultrasound and can identify previously unknown structural problems with the heart. An EKG/ECG measures electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect heart rhythm issues.

The cost of the screening is $85, which is a tax-deductible donation to Heartfelt. Cardiac screenings like this can often cost as much as $1,500 and is not always covered by medical insurance.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with Heartfelt and the life-saving service they provide the community,” said Patrick Bendzick, executive director of community health, well-being and athletics. “Over the years they have identified several Tartans with an elevated risk profile for sudden cardiac death and undoubtedly helped avoid a possible tragedy in each of those cases. The peace of mind that comes with receiving the screening is truly a gift and we appreciate their efforts in helping us safeguard the welfare of our students.”

 

This is the ninth year that St. Margaret’s has hosted a cardiac screening event with Heartfelt Cardiac Projects, a non-profit organization committed to saving lives from preventable tragedies due to sudden cardiac death.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) claims the lives of more than 450,000 Americans each year, often occurring in active, seemingly healthy people unaware of any heart problems.

For more information, visit heartfeltscreening.org.