Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Heart of a Champion Day events and screenings.

Is this a physical or well-child check?
Heart of a Champion Day includes a sport-specific screening that exceeds the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and/or South Carolina High School League regulations for sports participation. Heart of a Champion Day screenings are not a physical and do not take the place of an annual well-child check or physical.

Why is this being offered at the end of the school year, instead of the
beginning?
Heart of a Champion Day is designed to provide time for a student-athlete to receive any needed medical follow-ups before summer workouts begin.

Can my son/daughter attend at any time during the day?
No. Schools will have designated screening times, which will be released to the school’s athletic director.

What if I cannot drive my child to the screening site?
Heart of a Champion Day works with identified high schools to provide bus transportation from each high school to the event and back to the home school. Students must ride the bus; students in personal vehicles will not be allowed to participate.

What is an ECG?
An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a completely painless, non-invasive test which evaluates the health of your heart. It measures heart rate and electrical activity and only takes about three minutes.

What is an ECHO?
An ECHO, or echocardiogram, is a completely painless, non-invasive ultrasound of the heart which is considered the “gold standard” of assessment within cardiac screening programs, owing to its ability to diagnose HCM.

Will a diagnosis be made based on my child’s screening EKG and ECHO?
Yes. Cardiologists read the results of the screening in real time. If your child needs additional follow-up, you may request a copy of the results and they can be sent to your physician.

If my child’s ECG and ECHO are normal, does this mean they have a
healthy heart?
An ECG can only detect 40 percent of those at-risk for sudden cardiac death. There are some conditions that cannot be detected by an ECG and ECHO. Until further testing is available, this is the best tool to detect those at risk.

If my child’s ECG and ECHO are normal, do they need to be repeated again in
future years?
Current international recommendations are to repeat ECG testing every other year through age 25. Heart of a Champion Day follows these recommendations.

What does it mean if my child’s screening indicates that further evaluation
is needed?
It may indicate the presence of a serious condition that 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.

What if I do not have a physician?
Heart of a Champion Day assists families with finding a primary care physician and/or specialist for any follow-up testing.

How soon should I have my child see a physician?
If your child’s results show 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; however they should not participate in physical activity until evaluated.

If my child’s screening indicates the need for follow-up evaluation and
testing with a physician, does that mean he/she has a
life-threatening condition?
Possibly. There is a minimal chance of “false positive” findings; however, Heart of a Champion Day will assist in follow-up information.

Who are my child’s results shared with?
Your child’s health information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your child’s health information is only shared with you and officials at their school, to assure they have received the annual required sports screening.

What if I choose not to allow my child’s information to be shared with a school?
At this time, we may only screen participants who allow information to be shared with a child’s designated school.

When and how will I receive the results of the screening?
All results are sent directly back to your son/daughter’s designated school. If there is any need for follow-up, you will contacted by Heart of a Champion Day.