Beaumont Hospital Offers Heart Screens in Student Catcho's Memory

students will line up Wednesday to participate in a heart screening program sponsored by one month after the unexpected death of their classmate . The goal of the screenings, which are dedicated to Catcho’s memory, is to identify potential problems or risk factors that could lead to more serious medical conditions.

Andover Athletic Coordinator R.J. Guizzetti said the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) requires all students participating in school-sponsored sports programs to have a physical examination performed by a doctor. A standard form, used by school athletic departments throughout the state, must be completed and signed by the examining physician. An electrocardiogram, or EKG, is not required.

“This is something we felt we needed to do for our student body and our athletes,” said Guizzetti. “We’re always looking for ways to keep our athletes safer.”

Catcho, who lived in West Bloomfield and lifted weights as a hobby, died sometime after going to bed March 16 and was found by his parents the next morning. According to Oakland County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Patrick Cho, the immediate cause of Catcho’s death was cardiac arrhythmia of unknown etiology. Cardiac arrhythmia is a term used to describe an abnormality in the electrical activity of the heart, such as a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow or otherwise irregular.

The 17-year-old, who reported that his heart was beating rapidly in a Twitter message he sent earlier that evening, had had no history of heart problems or other serious medical conditions.  

Adam Dejong, cardiology manager for the Ernst Cardiovascular Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, said athletes can be at greater risk for heart disease because physical exertion can exacerbate certain conditions.

The heart screenings Wednesday are designed to identify potential risk factors that students may not be aware of.

According to Dejong, the student screening consists of a health history questionnaire, a 12-lead EKG and an on-site consultation and evaluation by a physician. If there is a red flag in the health history or an irregularity in the EKG, the student will have an echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart, and be referred for appropriate follow-up.

“If we find something like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can lead to an enlarged heart, we may not be able to correct it, but we can follow the patient and reduce the potential for more serious consequences,” said Dejong.

He added that the screenings, which are provided free of charge, would cost between $1,000 and $1,500 in a regular hospital setting. Numerous physicians, technicians and other Beaumont staffers will volunteer their services for the student screening program to help ameliorate the cost.

The screenings will take place from 3-7 p.m. at Andover High School, and registration is full. Additional screenings are scheduled for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 30 at the Beverly Hills Club; and from 3-7 p.m. May 20 and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 21 at Milford High School.

Students who are unable to attend one of the scheduled screenings may contact the Ernst Cardiovascular Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, which offers student heart screenings by appointment for $25. Call 800-328-8542.