Knowing that young athletes suffer sudden cardiac arrest, often with no prior symptoms, I know I have done my part in helping to make sure my students are protected.
Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) February 03, 2016
Wimbledon Health Partners, the industry leader in on-site diagnostic testing for physicians and athletic programs, successfully completed the first round of comprehensive cardiovascular testing at Richland High School in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Over the course of three days in January, Wimbledon Athletics tested more than 150 of Richland’s student athletes for cardiac abnormalities and vascular conditions in order to help prevent sudden cardiac arrest and to reduce the risk of blood clots. Of the students tested, half were found to have some form of cardiac abnormality, according to Bradley J. Artel, M.D., F.A.C.C, Chief Medical Officer at Wimbledon Health Partners. While the majority of the abnormalities were deemed non-life threatening, ten students were identified with conditions warranting further evaluation by a cardiologist, and possibly requiring surgery or other intervention later in life. At nearly 7% of the total population tested, this represents a significant number of abnormal findings and emphasizes the importance of evaluating young athletes as early as possible.
Richland’s athletic trainer, Dean Broxterman, L.A.T., A.T.C., spearheaded the testing for the high school and launched outreach efforts to effectively communicate with key stakeholders. Broxterman met with the coaches of all sports programs as well as the student athletes involved in these sports to educate them on the risks of cardiovascular abnormalities and the reasons Richland was undertaking this important testing. In addition, Broxterman reached out to parents via the booster club, who quickly spread the message about the need for Richland’s student athletes to be evaluated. Plans are being laid to expand testing to members of Richland’s marching band, dance club, and cheerleading squad in the coming months.
Broxterman sees the comprehensive cardiovascular testing as a must do. “Knowing that young athletes suffer sudden cardiac arrest, often with no prior symptoms, I know I have done my part in helping to make sure my students are protected. And for those who were identified with pre-existing cardiovascular issues, I can now help them take the necessary precautions that could prevent a tragedy,” he says.
The cardiovascular testing done at Richland High School is being used as a pilot for the Birdville Independent School District. Richland’s success will help the remaining two district high schools implement their own testing programs through Wimbledon Athletics and will also lead the way for other area high schools to be proactive in having their student athletes tested for potentially life-threatening cardiovascular conditions.
About Wimbledon Health Partners:
Wimbledon Health Partners formed in 2013 to meet the need for on-site diagnostic testing at physicians’ offices. The industry leader, Wimbledon Health Partners provides physicians with state-of-the-art, in-office testing to detect circulatory conditions and cardiac abnormalities using vascular ultrasound and echocardiography.
About Wimbledon Athletics:
Wimbledon Athletics, the newest division of Wimbledon Health Partners, is pioneering the way for high schools, colleges, universities, and sports facilities to test students for vascular conditions and for unsuspected cardiac abnormalities to help minimize sudden cardiac death among young athletes.
For more information on how your office or school can partner with Wimbledon Health Partners, visit us at http://www.dxtesting.com or call us at (855) 200-8262.