Concerns for parents with young athletes:
Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD): Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) may cause symptoms of transient palpitations, chest pressure/pain, lightheadedness and shortness of breath. All arrhythmias require Cardiology referral for evaluation and treatment. From a prevention perspective for any age patient with a history of ventricular arrhythmia, frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or any type of heart disease, it is important that a patient have risk for SCD determined. Hospitalized patients for cardiac or other reasons may have an arrhythmia or frequent PVCs seen on telemetry and not receive follow up. In this case a patient may have the primary physician help the patient obtain hospital records or the patient may obtain this on their own by signing a consent in the medical records department.