Jim Martin, Lamphere's Athletic Trainer recently spoke at a dinner to kick off Beaumont Hospital's Heart Check screening program. " The significance of this type of screening is that Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a silent killer," said Martin.  "Young athletes have died from HCM, having experienced no prior symptoms. This shows the importance of pre-participation physicals. Often, student-athletes receive inexpensive, "production line" type physicals, given merely to fulfill a mandated requirement. Proper screening can diagnose HCM and avoid an unnecessary tragedy."

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick - or hypertrophied. This thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may also affect the heart's electrical system.

Beaumont Hospitals, Oakland University and WXYZ-TV7 are teaming up to offer free heart screenings for area high school students. The Health Edge Heart Check program offers an in depth heart screening that includes a medical history, blood pressure check and an ECG. Echocardiograms will also be provided, if needed. The screening looks for evidence of (HCM) a serious condition that can cause sudden cardiac death in young athletes, and other heart abnormalities.

"Since 2007, over 100 student-athletes from Lamphere High School (LHS) have participated in the Healthy Heart Check program, we will continue to participate as long as the program is offered." said Martin. "I would encourage all student athletes in the metro Detroit area to do the same."

The Health Edge Heart Check screening will be held on Saturday, November 14, from 9 am to 5 pm at Oakland University's Recreation and Athletic Center. There is NO CHARGE to participate, but registration is required.   Call Beaumont Physician Referral 800-633-7377 or visit Beaumont online at https://www.beaumonthospitals.com/student-screening to register.