Halifax Health To Offer Low-Cost Screenings To Prevent Cardiac Death

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Volusia County, FL - Halifax Health will offer low-cost echocardiogram screenings at YMCA's throughout the county to help prevent sudden cardiac death.

“Sudden cardiac death is the largest cause of natural death in the U.S. causing about 325,000 adult deaths each year, with them occurring most frequently in adults in their mid-30s to mid-40s," said Matt Petkus, service line administrator for Halifax Health – Center for Cardiology. "Our goal is to make sure all of our local athletes and sports enthusiasts have the information they need to stay safe while enjoying the many athletic pursuits available to them in our area.”

According to Halifax Health Public Relations Specialist Tangela Boyd, MA, an echocardiogram is "an ultrasound of the heart... it's painless, it's safe, and it's noninvasive." This screening tool is frequently used to diagnose structural abnormalities of the heart and conditions like hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, anomalous coronary artery, myocarditis, Long QT Syndrome, aortic disease and valve disease.

People of all ages are welcome to schedule a screening. They only take 15 minutes and results are mailed within 10 days. Insurance isn't required and the screening costs $50. FSA Cards are accepted.

For patients between 14 and 35 years old, an additional electrocardiogram, or ECG, will be available free of charge. According to Boyd, ECG's evaluate the rhythm of the heart, which can assist in the cardiac evaluation.

The screenings are being offered at the Healthy Living Centers at several area YMCAs. On Monday, September 19, the screenings will be held at the Ormond Beach YMCA at 500 Sterthaus Drive from 1 PM to 5 PM, and at the Port Orange Family YMCA at 4701 City Center Parkway between 8 AM and noon. On Monday, September 26, the screenings will be offered at the Four Townes Family YMCA at 280 Wolf Pack Run in Deltona from 3 to 5 PM, at the Ormond Beach YMCA between 9 and 11 AM, and at the Port Orange Family YMCA from noon to 2 PM.

Appointments can be scheduled at RXUltraSoundResources.com. For more info go to HalifaxHealth.org.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2016.