Protect Your Kids' Hearts: Summer Activity Can Trigger Genetic Disorder, Say Results for Life, Sudden Cardiac Arrest A...( The genetic test can be an important...),Health

"The genetic test can be an important component to diagnosing Long QT Syndrome. In most cases, doctors can't tell for certain if a patient has the genetic disorder by just doing a clinical examination," says Alan Mertz, president of the American Clinical Laboratory Association and the Results for Life campaign. "Research has shown that a genetic test will identify additional individuals with possible Long QT Syndrome, compared to a clinical diagnosis alone."

Medications known as beta-blockers help prevent sudden cardiac arrest in most people. Pacemakers or automatic defibrillators are used in others.

Parents who live with children who are vulnerable to sudden cardiac arrest should:

• Learn CPR and check that lifeguards or coaches know CPR.
• Make sure an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is on-site at the playing field, pool, or wherever children exercise.

Chris Chiames, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association Executive Director, has Long QT Syndrome, as do his two daughters. The girls had a genetic test as toddlers. "As parents, we try to balance having fun with taking heart-health precautions," he says. "Our kids never swim alone. My wife or I always accompany our children to the swimming pool. We make sure the lifeguard is CPR trained and that an AED is on site."

The American Clinical Laboratory Association is a non-profit group representing the nation's clinical reference laboratories. The group's educational campaign, Results for Life, reflects a collaboration of laboratory professionals, clinical labs and test makers focused on the value of laboratory medicine. For more information: www.labresultsforlife.org.

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association is the largest advocacy organization singularly ded
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