FAQs: Heart Screenings

Q: WHAT CAN THE LIVING FOR ZACHARY HEART SCREENING DETECT?

A:  This screening can be helpful in detecting conditions which may lead to SCA such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Long Q-T Syndrome, and Brugada Syndrome.  While a L4Z screening can help uncover heart abnormalities which may lead to SCA, it does not guarantee all risks of SCA will be detected. In addition, some heart conditions cannot be detected by this screening.

Q: WHY ARE LIVING FOR ZACHARY HEART SCREENINGS AVAILABLE ONLY TO YOUTH AGES 12-22?

A: A Living for Zachary Heart Screening is designed for youth ages 12-22 years of age. The most prevalent of the high-risk conditions for which this screening seeks to detect may not manifest or become evident prior to the age of 12. Individuals over the age of 22 should be screened by their primary care provider within the context of other medical conditions and health history.

Q: IS THE HEART SCREENING INVASIVE?

A: No. The screening is non-invasive – no needles and pain free.

Q: HOW LONG DOES THE HEART SCREENING TAKE?

A: The screening takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Q: WILL THIS HEART SCREENING CLEAR MY CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS?

A: The Living for Zachary Heart Screening DOES NOT provide clearance for participation in athletics. It is a supplement to pre-participation athletic screenings targeted for causes of SCA.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY CHILD’S SCREENING RESULTS?

A: Share your child’s heart screening results with your pediatrician.

Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY CHILD BE SCREENED?

A: Living for Zachary’s Physician Advisory Board recommends screenings every 3 years for youth ages 12-22 who do NOT display any symptoms of SCA.  For youth experiencing SCA symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately and follow all recommendations for follow-up care.

Q: CAN THE LIVING FOR ZACHARY HEART SCREENING DETECT HEART ABNORMALITIES RELATED TO COVID-19 OR THE COVID-19 VACCINE?

A: The Living for Zachary Heart Screening does not detect, predict risk, or diagnose any heart abnormalities related to COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccine.  Contact your child’s pediatrician if you have questions or concerns related to COVID-19.

Q: WHAT IS LIVING FOR ZACHARY’S COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOL FOR HEART SCREENING EVENTS?

The health and safety of families, staff, volunteers and medical professionals at Living for Zachary heart screening events is of utmost importance to the Living for Zachary Team.  Our mobile screening provider, Frontera, has outlined a list of safety measures for each screening which can be read here.   In addition, all patients and guardians inside the event space must adhere to the following safety guidelines put in place by Living for Zachary:

Click Here to View Living for Zachary’s Full Health and Safety Protocol

All event attendees must comply with guidance put forth by national, state and local governments, as well as current developments from public health authorities. For additional resources, please visit http://www.coronavirus.gov and www.dshs.state.tx.us.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR POLICY REGARDING NO-SHOWS OR DAY-OF CANCELLATIONS FOR HEART SCREENING EVENTS?

Living for Zachary is able to provide free youth heart screenings to the public due to the generosity of our donors.  Appointments are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill quickly. If you do NOT attend the appointment for which you are booked or cancel on the day of the event, you will be charged with a $25 no-show/late cancellation fee. 

To cancel your appointment prior to the event date, please email heartscreenings@livingforzachary.org so your appointment can be re-booked with a new patient.

Thank you for your help in ensuring more youth can be screened through Living for Zachary!