FAQs: Heart Screenings
Q: WHAT CAN THE LIVING FOR ZACHARY HEART SCREENING DETECT?
A: This screening can be helpful in detecting conditions which may lead to SCA such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Long Q-T Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome. While a L4Z screening can help uncover heart abnormalities which may lead to SCA, it does not guarantee all risks of SCA will be detected. In addition, some heart conditions cannot be detected by this screening.
Q: WHY ARE LIVING FOR ZACHARY HEART SCREENINGS AVAILABLE ONLY TO YOUTH AGES 12-22?
A: A Living for Zachary Heart Screening is designed for youth ages 12-22 years of age. The most prevalent of the high-risk conditions for which this screening seeks to detect may not manifest or become evident prior to the age of 12. Individuals over the age of 22 should be screened by their primary care provider within the context of other medical conditions and health history.
Q: IS THE HEART SCREENING INVASIVE?
A: No. The screening is non-invasive – no needles and pain free.
Q: HOW LONG DOES THE HEART SCREENING TAKE?
A: The screening takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Q: WILL THIS HEART SCREENING CLEAR MY CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS?
A: The Living for Zachary Heart Screening DOES NOT provide clearance for participation in athletics. It is a supplement to pre-participation athletic screenings targeted for causes of SCA.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY CHILD’S SCREENING RESULTS?
A: Share your child’s heart screening results with your pediatrician.
Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD BE SCREENED?
A: Living for Zachary’s Physician Advisory Board recommends screenings every 3 years for youth ages 12-22 who do NOT display any symptoms of SCA. For youth experiencing SCA symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately and follow all recommendations for follow-up care.
Q: CAN THE LIVING FOR ZACHARY HEART SCREENING DETECT HEART ABNORMALITIES RELATED TO COVID-19 OR THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
A: The Living for Zachary Heart Screening does not detect, predict risk, or diagnose any heart abnormalities related to COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your child’s pediatrician if you have questions or concerns related to COVID-19.
CONTACT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR CHILD IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS:
Fainting or seizure during or after physical activity
Fainting or seizure resulting from emotional excitement, distress or startle
Chest pain or discomfort/ racing heartbeat
Unexplained fainting or seizures
Unusual shortness of breath
Unusual fatigue/tiredness
Dizziness/lightheadedness during or after physical activity
Thank you for your help in ensuring more youth can be screened through Living for Zachary!