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Frequently Asked Questions - Cardiac Screenings
What is an electrocardiogram (i.e., EKG or ECG)?
An EKG is a completely painless test that evaluates the health of your heart. It measures your heart rate and electrical activity.
What does it mean if my child’s screening EKG finding indicates that further evaluation is needed?
This may indicate the presence of a serious cardiac condition, which may require further follow-up testing and treatment by a physician.
Will additional testing be needed?
Your child’s physician will determine the need for further testing and treatment.
How soon should I have my child see a physician?
If your child’s EKG result shows further evaluation is needed, you should have your child examined by your family physician within two weeks of being notified of the results of the screening EKG.
Will a diagnosis be made based on my child’s screening EKG?
No. A clinical diagnosis only can be made by incorporating the EKG findings with a history and physical performed by a physician. If you are told your child needs additional follow-up, you will receive a copy of the EKG and one can be sent to your child’s physician as well.
Will my child’s results be shared with the school?
Absolutely not. This is health care information that only will be shared with you. No information will be shared with anyone without your express written permission.
If my child’s screening EKG finding indicates the need for follow-up evaluation and testing with a physician, does that mean he/she has a life-threatening condition?
Possibly. Two percent of screening EKGs result in “false positive” findings. A false positive EKG indicates a defect may exist, but further testing shows there is no problem. We realize that this may cause some anxiety for parents. We believe that the benefit of this potentially life-saving screening outweighs this concern. You need to decide for yourself if this risk is worth it or not.
If my child’s EKG is within normal limits, does this mean that he/she has a healthy heart?
An EKG only can detect 60 percent of individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death. There are some conditions that cannot be detected with an EKG. Until further testing is available, this is the best tool to detect those at risk. The EKG is a supplement to your physician’s evaluation of your child. It is recommended that you also complete a questionnaire (sent with the results of your child’s EKG) that evaluates for symptoms and family history clues that may require further evaluation by your physician.
If my child’s EKG is within normal limits, does it need to be repeated again in future years?
Current international recommendations are to repeat a screening EKG every other year through age 25.
(Note: Information courtesy of the Midwest Heart Foundation - December 2011)
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