Free teen heart screenings Saturday

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver and PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview will offer free heart screenings for teenagers Saturday.

The screening at PeaceHealth in Vancouver, 400 N.E. Mother Joseph Place, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Firstenburg Tower. The screening in Longview will take place during the same time at PeaceHealth Medical Group Lakefront Clinic, 1718 E. Kessler Blvd., Longview.

According to a PeaceHealth press release, “any middle or high school athlete, band member or cheerleader from 12 to 18 years old is eligible.” The screening is designed for student athletes but also accommodates any child in the age range who might be at risk.

It is estimated that up to 7,000 American teens die every year from undetected heart conditions, according to the press release. Many deaths could be prevented through basic testing, education and awareness.

Donations will be accepted to help enhance emergency cardiac care locally.

Screenings include electrocardiograms and electrocardiography, blood pressure checks, and reviews of personal and family health history. No physician referral is required, and results are confidential.

Register online for the Vancouver screening at www.peacehealth.org/southwest/young-champions-teen-heart-screenings. Register for the Longview screening at www.stopyouthsca.org.