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HCMA Media Advisory - Jeron Lewis

16/01/2010 06:24:00

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IT’S NOT GOOD TO PLAY SPORTS WITH A BIG HEART

M E D I A A D V I S O R Y

The tragic news of Jeron Lewis, 21, whose sudden death is suspected to be from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), is a vital reminder that this deadly disease often goes undetected

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disease which results in a thickening of the heart muscle, is the leading cause of sudden death in children and young adults. It accounts for 40 percent of all deaths on athletic playing fields across the country.

HCM OFTEN GOES UNDECTED UNTIL THE FIRST SYMPTOM:

Sudden Death

University of Southern Indiana spokesman Dan McDonnell said he wasn't aware of any preexisting medical conditions that could have contributed to Jeron's death.

Estimated to affect one in 500 Americans, HCM can be detected and treated allowing patients to live long lives. Simply improving pre-participation screening forms and conducting ECGs on properly selected children will reduce sudden cardiac death.

In 1996, Lisa Salberg started the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) as a national resource and support center for families affected by HCM. The HCMA (www.4hcm.org) is not just a cause or hobby for Lisa. It is her life. Lisa, who has HCM, has been able to trace it in her family for at least four generations.

As co-author of HCM: For Patients, Their Families, and Interested Physicians, Lisa can provide you with exercise guidelines, resources and recommended procedures – including genetic testing – that could potentially save lives. Lisa can discuss with you:

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)? How common is HCM?
Why do kids, young adults and athletes die suddenly from HCM? Are there warning signs parents should know about?
What is the difference between “athlete’s heart” and HCM?
How do you know if you have HCM - what are the symptoms and what testing should be done to determine if you have HCM?
If HCM is not treated, will the heart get bigger? Can I develop other heart-related conditions?
If I have HCM should I: exercise, have sex, play sports be on a special diet?
If an immediate family member is diagnosed with HCM, should all family members be tested? Is it expensive? Is it covered by insurance?
Are there occupations people with HCM should avoid?
Is there a cure for HCM? Is there one in the pipeline?
How is HCM treated medically and through lifestyle changes?
Where can I find out more information about HCM?