Living for Zachary Heart Screening
The “Living for Zachary Heart Screening” is a special screening program created and provided by Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano for youth ages 12-22 that can help detect heart abnormalities that may lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Living for Zachary partners with Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Plano and Denton and Frontera Strategies to provide these screenings.
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.
A parent or guardian must be present for youth under 18 years of age during the Living for Zachary Heart Screening.
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.
What’s Included in a Living for Zachary Heart Screening?
Living for Zachary Heart Screenings are designed to look at each child’s heart health from multiple angles to help detect abnormalities that may lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
All screenings include 5 easy, non-invasive steps:
1. A 12-lead electrocardiogram measures and records electrical activity in the heart to be examined for abnormalities.
2. A limited 2D echocardiogram produces an image of the heart on a monitor to be examined for structural issues.
3. A blood pressure screening is conducted to look for issues which may point back to the heart.
4. A SCA risk assessment questionnaire is completed as a tool to identify relevant markers of SCA risk in youth.
5. All elements of the heart screening are reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified cardiologist.
A Living for Zachary Heart Screening is not a substitute for a thorough exam and consultation with a physician. While the screening seeks to detect conditions which may lead to SCA, it does not guarantee all risks of SCA will be detected.
This screening can be helpful in detecting conditions which may lead to SCA such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Long Q-T Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome, coronary artery anomalies, and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome.
Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child is currently experiencing the following symptoms:
- Fainting or seizure during or after physical activity
- Fainting or seizure resulting from emotional excitement, distress or startle
- Chest pain or discomfort/ racing heartbeat
- Unexplained fainting or seizures
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue/tiredness
- Dizziness/lightheadedness during or after physical activity
What Happens During a Heart Screening?
Upcoming Heart Screening Events
As part of our mission, Living for Zachary raises funds to sponsor heart screening events throughout the year at no cost to families. Explore our upcoming free screening events.
Two screening locations to serve you:
Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Care at Plano
Monday – Friday
4716 Alliance Blvd., Pavilion II, Suite 300
Plano, TX 75093
Get Directions
The Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Care is an outpatient facility owned and operated by Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano.
The Heart Hospital Baylor Denton
Monday – Friday
2801 South Mayhill Road
Denton, TX 76208
Get Directions
